Magog, September 6, 2013 – In response to the major floods that took place in Magog last Monday, the Red Cross is launching a fundraising campaign to help those affected. People wishing to make a financial donation can give online at www.redcross.ca/magog.
“The Red Cross is supporting authorities’ efforts and our volunteer teams based in Magog and Sherbrooke mobilized immediately to offer urgently needed support to those affected,” says Michel Léveillé, director general of the Red Cross in Quebec. “There are presently 79 families (177 people) being assisted by the Red Cross. This fundraising campaign will help meet their basic needs for as long as needed.”
The support offered by the Red Cross will help meet the basic needs of the evacuees, such as food, clothing and shelter. Evaluations will be made as the situation unfolds. The support given will depend on the generosity of the population and businesses.
Magog’s mayor Ms. Vicki May Hamm wanted to personally call upon the generosity of citizens once again. “We are aware that citizens are often being solicited for donations lately, especially after the tragedy of Lac-Mégantic. However, we cannot stand by and ignore the situation when several Magog families lost everything in these floods and no longer have a place to live. In certain cases, it is even impossible to know when they will be able to return to their homes. To those who will donate their time or money to help these families overcome this difficult time, I thank you in advance.”
To donate
People wishing to help those affected by the Magog Floods can donate online at www.redcross.ca/magog or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Donations should be earmarked for the Magog Floods Fund.
Administrative costs of fundraising for the Magog Floods will not exceed 5 per cent, which means that for ever dollar donated, at least 95 cents will go directly to help those affected by the disaster.
About the Red Cross in Quebec
The Red Cross is active before, during and after a disaster in response to the needs of those affected. In Quebec, as it does everywhere else, the Red Cross develops prevention programs, helps communities to prepare for emergencies, and provides humanitarian and material support to those who have lost everything as the result of a disaster. The Red Cross supports local authorities and the Government of Quebec as required. It is their primary partner in providing services to those affected by disasters.