Banks accepting donations for the Canadian Red Cross to help victims of the Iraq humanitarian crisis
(OTTAWA, April 1, 2003) - Canadian Red Cross announced today that cash donations to help the victims of the Iraq crisis will be accepted at nine Canadian banks. Funds raised will assist Red Cross in supporting and maintaining water supply/sanitation systems in Iraq, treating the war-wounded and providing urgently needed relief goods such as clean water, food, blankets and medicine.
Starting tomorrow cash donations will be accepted at the following financial institutions:
- BMO Financial Group
- Scotiabank
- Canadian Western Bank
- CIBC
- HSBC Bank Canada
- National Bank of Canada
- TD Bank Financial Group
- RBC Financial Group
- Laurentian Bank of Canada
Money is urgently needed to provide water, food, shelter, health care services and other basic necessities to vulnerable families in Iraq and to potential refugees should that need arise. The Canadian Red Cross is collecting funds to support the worldwide appeal for $219 million for International Red Cross and Red Crescent relief efforts in Iraq and surrounding areas.
"The Canadian Red Cross is appealing to individuals and corporations to contribute to our humanitarian assistance fund for the victims of the Iraq crisis," said Susan Johnson, National Director, International Programs and Humanitarian Issues, Canadian Red Cross. "Donations will help meet the enormous need for immediate essential relief and long-term humanitarian assistance in the region."
Canadians wishing to help may make a financial donation by calling 1-800-418-1111 or contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office. The 24-hour toll free line accepts Visa and MasterCard. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Iraq Humanitarian Assistance Appeal" and mailed to Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2. Visit the Iraq Humanitarian Assistance Appeal for more information or make a donation. Any funds received in excess of the Red Cross requirements for this disaster will be transferred to the International Disaster Relief Fund for future relief operations. Donations of goods are not accepted.
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For more information or to arrange interviews, please call:
Suzanne Charest, Communications Officer
Tel: (613) 740-1928
Pager: (613) 594-7405
