| Canadian Red Cross Provides Support to
Stranded Travellers |
| (OTTAWA, September 11, 2001) –
Canadian Red Cross has mounted a relief operation to help thousands of
travellers stranded as a result of today's attacks in the United States. |
| Across the country, reception centres have
been established at several Canadian airports and Canadian Red Cross
Disaster Response Teams are registering stranded travellers so that
contact can be made with family members. Local Red Cross offices are
working with government authorities to provide assistance where needed.
The following are examples of Red Cross operations across the country: |
| In Atlantic Canada, where many international
flights to the United States were redirected, Red Cross reception centres
are operating in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Red Cross, in conjunction with the
Community Services Department will provide registration, food and
overnight accommodations for up to 15,000 travellers. Red Cross is also
running a reception centre at the Moncton Coliseum in New Brunswick for
2,100 stranded travellers. |
| In Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie offices have
registered approximately 300 passengers and Thunder Bay Red Cross is on
alert to register approximately 500 passengers. North Bay, Sudbury and
Timmins are also on standby to register passengers and provide shelter.
Toronto Red Cross is on alert to open shelters and register up to 2,000
people. |
| Red Cross offices in British Columbia are
working with airport authorities and area hotels to ensure that travellers
secure adequate lodgings and are coordinating calls from local residents
offering accommodation. |
| The Emergency Operations Centre is open in
Quebec and local offices are responding to public inquiries. A Tracing and
Reunion Centre is open for families seeking contact with family members.
The Red Cross continues to work closely with many municipalities, such as
Quebec City, Chicoutimi, and Greater Montreal. |
| Canadians seeking information on family
members in the affected areas should call their local Red Cross office.
Those wishing to make a financial donation can call 1-800-418-1111 or
contact their local Canadian Red Cross office. The 24-hour toll free line
accepts Visa and MasterCard. Cheques should be made payable to the
Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "U.S.A Appeal" and mailed to
Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300,
Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2. On-line donations are accepted at
www.redcross.ca. . Any funds not used for this disaster will be
transferred to the International Disaster Relief Fund for future relief
operations. Donations of goods are not accepted. |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
Suzanne Charest
Communications Officer
Tel.: (613) 740-1928
Pager: (613) 594-7405 |
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