Red Cross Receives Local Support for National Office Family Campaign

(Ottawa, June 14, 2007) The rooftop of the Red Cross HQ hosted the launch of the annual Family Campaign. Employees of the National Office enjoyed a BBQ under sunny skies to raise funds for Canadian Red Cross’ Campaign Against Malaria, a cost effective program that distributes mosquito nets in malaria prone countries in Africa.

To make the BBQ a successful fundraising event, the Red Cross approached local business for in-kind and financial support to cover costs of the BBQ event. The call was immediately answered by Hartman’s Your Independent Grocer. Hartman’s was quick to donate hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments for the BBQ. “Hartman’s has a long history of being involved in community events. We were happy to help. ” said Hartman’s General Manager, Robert St-Amour.

Family Campaign organizer, Tom Scinto, is confident in meeting the $13,000 Family Campaign goal; $10,000 of which is designated for the Malaria Bed Net campaign. “The BBQ was a great way for staff to interact while raising money for such an effective campaign. It was thanks to the amazing support we received from Hartman’s and our dedicated campaign volunteers that the BBQ has been a success,” said Scinto.

The Canadian Red Cross is a world leader in malaria prevention and has distributed over 2.6 million long lasting insecticide treated nets. Malaria claims over 1 million lives per year globally which is equivalent to a child dying every 30 seconds. Even though malaria is one of the biggest killers in Africa, it is also one of the easiest diseases to prevent through the distribution and hanging of a bed net that only costs $7.00.

For more information, please visit www.redcross.ca.

Posted June 29, 2007