Financial donations the best way to support Red Cross efforts in Alberta
As wildfires continue to burn out of control in Alberta, the Canadian Red Cross is appealing for financial support to help the thousands of families forced from their homes. The Canadian Red Cross is also reminding the public that in-kind donations, while well intentioned, are not being accepted.
“Canadians are very generous during times of disaster and want to help in any way they can,” says Ange Sawh, Canadian Red Cross director of disaster management for Western Canada.”I’d like to remind the public that the Canadian Red Cross does not accept donations of goods and that financial gifts are the best way to support our efforts to help affected families.”
Financial donations allow the Canadian Red Cross the flexibility to provide families affected by disaster with the specific aid required to meet their immediate and longer term needs. The Canadian Red Cross does not accept nor distribute donations of food, clothing or other materials.
Canadian Red Cross disaster response teams are working with provincial and local authorities to provide assistance to affected families and continue to assess individual needs. Immediate emergency assistance is being provided, including food, shelter, hygiene supplies and other essentials. The Canadian Red Cross is committed to meeting immediate needs as well as providing families with longer term support as they work to rebuild their lives in the weeks and months ahead. Financial donations to the Red Cross make this work possible.
Canadians wishing to support the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires response are encouraged to contribute a financial donation by calling 1-800-418-1111, donating online, or by contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Alberta Fires” and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.
