Note: The following appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross
Flooding and mudslides have affected millions in China
Extensive flooding and mudslides have affected millions of people throughout China. Thousands have been killed or are missing, and millions of hectares of crops have been affected.
The flood, which began on July 1, 2010, is considered the worst in a decade. On August 8, 2010, a massive mudslide, considered rare in terms of its destruction level, toppled the homes of more than 45,000 people.
Local Red Cross volunteers are on the ground providing humanitarian assistance. Work to clear mud and debris is still ongoing and remains the top priority in the affected area. First aid and emergency relief supplies are being provided including: food, clothing, health kits and water.
Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster is massive and more help is urgently needed.
Canadians wishing to help support relief efforts underway in China are encouraged to contribute by donating online, calling 1-800-418-1111 or contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “China Floods 2010” and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 400 Cooper Street, Suite 8000, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H8.
In-kind donations of food, clothing and other items, while well intentioned, are not the best way to help those in need. There are tremendous processing and transportation costs involved in shipping these items to beneficiaries. Local purchases of food and clothing are more culturally appropriate and effective. Red Cross supplies can be purchased in the immediate area, thereby reducing transportation costs. Cash transfers to the affected region provide the optimum flexibility to our Red Cross colleagues so they can meet the most urgent needs.