Red Cross outlines plan for Alberta flood relief donor dollars

CALGARY – The Canadian Red Cross has outlined how they will use millions of dollars donated to help flood-affected Albertans.

During the flood, The Canadian Red Cross distributed emergency supplies, helped with family reunification, registration of more than 91,400 evacuees and has managed or supported 17 shelters.

As the flood waters receded, Red Cross distributed nearly 900,000 relief supplies to those affected.

Officials say they will continue providing assistance to those impacted by the flood for the weeks, months and years to come, as they work to rebuild their lives and their communities.

“The Canadian Red Cross has helped those affected by disasters for more than 100 years, and we’re here to help for the long term,” says John Byrne, Canadian Red Cross Director General for Disaster Management.

To date, The Red Cross has received more than $25.3 million in donations.

Their transition to recovery activities include:

• Outreach teams going door-to-door in impacted communities to assess needs and offer support and assistance.
• Assisting individuals who have urgent unmet needs of food, clothing, public transportation, occupational needs to get individuals back to work, medications or health equipment.
• Continuing to support communities to address unique needs through community grants.

Flood-affected Albertans who have lost their home or have a home that was damaged by flooding – as well as those who have lost income from the flood – are welcome to contact Canadian Red Cross at 1-866-696-6484 for a personal, confidential needs assessment.