Ten thousand cots and blankets (20,000 total items) are being shipped by the Canadian Red Cross to support German Red Cross efforts providing assistance to refugees in camps and reception centres in Germany.
“I have just returned from visiting several refugee camps in Germany where I saw first hand the resources urgently needed to support the large influx of refugees in recent days and those that will continue in the coming months,” says Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. “These items will provide thousands of families with comfort and warmth, however the situation is intensifying and more aid is desperately needed.”
The supplies being shipped include:
- 5,000 cots and blankets (10,000 total items) from the Government of Quebec
- 5,000 cots and blankets (10,000 total items) from the Canadian Red Cross
Distribution of relief items has been scaled up in recent days, however resources are insufficient to respond to an emergency on this scale.
“No single country can bear the burden of this humanitarian crisis alone. A collaborative approach involving countries, humanitarian actors, and the global community is needed to respond to ever-growing needs,” adds Sauv
é.
To date, the Canadian Red Cross has raised just over $2 million to provide assistance to refugees, migrants and civilians impacted by the conflict in Syria and neighbouring countries.
Canadians wishing to make a financial donation can donate to the Refugee Crisis fund by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by giving online at
www.redcross.ca. Canadians can also visit their local Red Cross office or one of the participating banks in Canada listed below. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross and earmarked
Refugee Crisis. The Government of Canada will match eligible donations of individual Canadians received up to December 31, 2015.
Photos of shipments leaving Canada are available on Flickr
B-roll is available upon request
The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.