Note: The following appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross
Government officials in Manitoba have said the current flooding could be the second worst on record – surpassed only by the flood of 1997.
River levels, ice jams and overland flooding in Manitoba have wreaked havoc in the lives of hundreds of Manitobans this spring. Hundreds of people were evacuated, while many other family homes have sustained damage. Some evacuees were unable to return home for days and weeks. People that have lost their homes or livelihoods are faced with a long road to recovery.
Red Cross immediately helps flood-affected families
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting the most vulnerable people affected by the spring flooding in Manitoba for the duration of this disaster. As soon as the flood threat appeared, Red Cross in Manitoba responded without delay:
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A toll-free, province-wide phone line, staffed by a team of dedicated Red Cross volunteers, was opened on March 26th to register evacuees and reconnect them with friends and family. More than 1,600 evacuees have been registered.
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For residents who evacuated suddenly and without basic necessities, Red Cross provided 130 comfort kits to meet basic hygiene needs for adults, children and infants.
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For evacuees returning home, Red Cross has provided over 352 clean-up kits to help Manitobans begin cleaning up their homes.
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To date, more than 100 volunteers have contributed over 3,500 hours to this response
Donations to the Manitoba Flood Response will also be used to address the urgent needs of evacuees, as well as the essential recovery needs of residents. This includes food, household goods, clean-up kits and basic repairs.
Your donation to the Manitoba Flood Response will help deliver much-needed help to those who are faced with rebuilding their lives after flood waters subside.
Assistance provided by Red Cross will not duplicate assistance provided through insurance, government or other agencies.
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.