Press Release
As international aid organizations struggle to help the estimated three million people affected by last week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, many people in this part of the world are wondering how they can help.
The Canadian government has pledged an initial $5 million in aid, and until Feb. 12 Ottawa will match contributions made to Canadian charitable organizations in support of humanitarian and recovery efforts in the battered nation.
Donations must be made by an individual Canadian to a registered Canadian charity that is receiving donations in response to the Jan. 12 earthquake.
The government will match donations to a maximum of $100,000 per single donation, up to a total of $50 million.
The Canadian International Development Agency maintains a list of reputable charities, and offers a wide variety of information about aid efforts in Haiti. Visit www.CIDA.ca for information.
Rainy River District has collected, through the appeal of the Salvation Army in Fort Frances, only $1,728.34 and another $500 with the breakfast campaign from McDonald’s Restaurant.
But we are optimists and await the support of hundreds of donors in our district, including Atikokan and Nestor Falls, and that more people will attend the breakfast at McDonald’s this coming Sunday (Jan. 24) from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. here in Fort Frances and International Falls to support the need of hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti.
Salvation Army staff in Haiti say they are being overwhelmed by the work made, but the need for assistance is great. They need in medicine, hospital supplies, food, and water.
To support Haiti emergency relief efforts, donate online at www.salvationarmy.ca or 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or make a $5 donation by texting the word HAITI to 45678 from any Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility phone.
Donations also can be made in person to the Salvation Army Citadel in Fort Frances or by mailing it to 316 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2C2 marked Haiti Disaster Relief Fund.
