Red Cross in Atlantic Canada helps people affected by Hurricane Juan
Red Cross has set up relief operations to assist the thousands of people in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. affected by Hurricane Juan that swept through the region on September 29 causing massive destruction and power outages. It is estimated that some 400,000 people in the region were affected by the disaster.
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Red Cross volunteers in Truro unload bottled water, food and other items for distribution in the community. | |
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In the Halifax Regional Municipality, Red Cross continues to work closely with various provincial government departments and community organizations to identify and assist the most high risk and vulnerable groups. During the last few days, more than 100 Red Cross volunteers have delivered food to about 20,000 residents in vulnerable areas and senior citizens complexes. Community barbeques were also established to provide a hot meal to nearly 2,200 isolated seniors.
In Truro, N.S., Red Cross is coordinating mass feeding with the assistance of other organizations. Red Cross volunteers distributed water, sports drinks, snack bars, juice, diapers, baby formula and frozen food to people in the area. A reception centre remains open at the Agri-tech business park.
Red Cross in Charlottetown set up a water distribution centre for residents still without electricity. A Red Cross needs assessments is underway to identify the most urgent needs in the community. "We have a team of incredibly dedicated and compassionate volunteers working on the relief operations," says John Byrne, General Manager for the Canadian Red Cross in Atlantic Canada. "Many of our volunteers are themselves affected by the hurricane and yet they are still working hard to help those who need it the most."
How to help
Red Cross is now accepting cash donations for its Disaster Services program that has been mobilized to help those affected by Hurricane Juan to meet their basic needs. Cash donations can be made by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by donating on-line.
