Today, the Canadian Red Cross Quebec Zone and the City of Magog are releasing a report detailling the use of funds raised and the assistance offered to the community of Magog after the floods on September 2, 2013. Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, nearly $40,000 was raised to help families affected by the disaster get back on their feet.
"From the first hours following the floods, Red Cross volunteers were on the scene and offering essential emergency assistance to those affected. Over 200 people received some form of Red Cross assistance," said Michel Léveillé, Director General of the Canadian Red Cross Quebec Zone.
After the emergency phase, during which the Red Cross provided emergency shelter, food, clothing, and personal services to affected and evacuated families, support was extended for 22 families whose primary residences were damaged. Made possible by donations to the dedicated fund, the long-term assistance provided families with Red Cross support for their basic needs and children's needs, as well as additional assistance to reduce moving or home repair costs.
As is customary with the Red Cross, the Magog Floods Fund benefitted from the help of local community representatives, who offered support and advice to properly identify needs and respond effectively. Through the Magog Floods Fund, the Red Cross provided financial and material aid to affected and evacuated families, landlords and tenants whose primary residences were damaged, and owners of damaged rental properties. Community organizations and emergency responders also received professional support from the Red Cross. Some organizations, such as the Memphrémagog Food Bank and Coeur sur la main, found their services were in demand during the disaster. They had to find a way to handle the increase in clients, for which they have our thanks.
"After the floods, the City of Magog quickly made every effort to support its residents and was very satisfied with the Red Cross collaboration. I would like to thank our donors from the bottom of my heart, as they generously contributed to helping us raise $40,000. After providing assistance to those affected, $9,800 was left over. The Magog Floods Fund Committee decided to donate half to the Memphrémagog Food Bank to compensate for the increased demand for basic necessities during and after the floods. The remaining half will be used to provide additional training to local emergency responders, to further equip and prepare them to respond to disasters,'" said Vicki May Hamm, Mayor of Magog.
To find out more about the assistance provided, read the full report online at
redcross.ca/magog.
About the Quebec Red Cross
The Red Cross acts before, during, and after a disaster to meet 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 in a disaster. The Red Cross supports local authorities and the Government of Quebec in accordance with their requirements. It is the leading partner in providing assistance to those affected by a disaster.