Canadian Red Cross providing financial aid for Ottawa-Gatineau tornado relief

October 04, 2018

Red Cross continues to register impacted residents, assess needs and deliver support

Ottawa-Gatineau – October 4, 2018

The Canadian Red Cross is providing direct financial assistance for people who have been impacted by tornadoes in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, as emerging needs are identified. This is the latest of many steps being taken to help people who were affected.

The Red Cross is reaching out to all who have registered with the Red Cross and providing financial aid to some of the most vulnerable people, including those who do not have insurance to help with their immediate basic needs. The Red Cross is encouraging anyone impacted by the tornadoes to register with the Red Cross if they haven’t done so already. Individuals can register by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582.

Since the tornadoes struck, the Red Cross has been on the ground supporting impacted communities, working with municipal and provincial governments, local authorities, community leaders and other organizations. The Red Cross is committed to helping individuals and families meet their urgent needs now and as they continue to recover from this disaster.

QUICK FACTS
  • Initial financial assistance to uninsured eligible registered households will be $600 per household of three people or less; or $800 for a household of four or more.
  • Funds will be provided directly to eligible registered households primarily through an electronic funds transfer or via other options for those who cannot receive funds electronically.
  • Over 2,850 people have registered with the Red Cross in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
  • Over the past ten days since September 21, the Red Cross has been, and continues to provide, ongoing assistance to meet immediate needs, including registration, shelter, food, comfort, clothing and helping family members confirm their loves ones were safe.
QUOTES

“Direct financial assistance from the Red Cross allows us to reach those who need it most, and we will continue to be here for the people of Ontario and Quebec in the weeks and months to come. While the current needs of many people living in the Ottawa-Gatineau region are great, we know that further challenges will continue to emerge for the individuals and families who have been affected. The Red Cross is committed to providing ongoing support to the people impacted by these tornadoes.” “To date, more than 1800 people have been helped by the Red Cross in the Gatineau region. Volunteers have been working tirelessly 24 hours a day to help the most vulnerable people affected by the tornado. Thanks to the donations of the public, the business community and the Government of Quebec, the emergency assistance that will be distributed in the coming days will support families in dire need.” “The full picture of the impact in Ontario from these tornadoes is only now becoming apparent, and as damages are further-assessed and we identify vulnerabilities, the Red Cross willl be able to direct help to where it is needed most.”  
Canadians wanting to provide support can help the people impacted by the tornadoes through making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross in one of the following funds:  
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
@RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog 
 
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About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 190 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and throughout the world.
 
CONTACTS
  • English Media Line: 1-877-599-9602
  • French Media Line: 1-888-418-9111
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