The strong voice of a great community

September-October 2004

Back to Index

Canadian Auto Workers Union pledges $150,000 to support Red Cross hurricane relief efforts

MEDIA RELEASE FOR CAW COMMUNITY AND ETHNIC MEDIA DISTRIBUTION

TORONTO, Sept. 27  - The Canadian Auto Workers Union-Canada

(CAW-Canada) has pledged $150,000 in support of the Red 

Cross 2004 hurricane relief efforts. The money will be directed 

to help those whose homes and lives have been ravaged by a 

series of hurricanes and tropical storms that have left

much of the Caribbean in ruins.

"The CAW and its 265,000 members across Canada are 

committed to helping the tens of thousands of people 

ravaged by the hurricanes and tropical storms

that have hit the Caribbean," said CAW president Buzz 

Hargrove. "But over the longer term the world community 

also needs to address the deep poverty in many

Caribbean nations that leave these countries so vulnerable 

to disaster because of the lack of infrastructure and

social services."

"The contribution of CAW-Canada provides a tremendous boost 

to our fundraising efforts," said Gord Moore, General Manager, 

Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Zone. "The needs are enormous and

growing every day."

Tropical Storm Jeanne caused massive flooding and 

landslides in Haiti, leaving more than 600 dead and

thousands stranded and homeless. The storm also

destroyed houses, crops and roads. The death toll is 

certain to rise as more bodies are found in the floodwaters. 

A total of $75,000 of the CAW's total $150,000 contribution 

is earmarked to help Haiti. Red Cross is also providing

assistance to other nations in the Caribbean, which were 

affected by Hurricane Ivan.

"Our ability to provide assistance to those in the affected 

areas relies on the generosity of the Canadian public and

organizations like CAW-Canada," said Moore. "Although our 

focus is now on immediate basic needs, the road to

recovery for those affected will be a long and costly one - 

our help is essential."

Individuals wishing to donate can do so at www.redcross.ca, 

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 "2004 Hurricane Relief" and mailed to

Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, 

Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2P2. For information on how 

Red Cross manages donations, please visit the "How We Care 

For Your Donations" section at www.redcross.ca.

Donations of goods are not accepted.

Reuters.com