MONTREAL – The generosity of Quebecers has raised a total of $7.2 million in donations for the Red Cross, earmarked for supporting families and businesses in Lac-Megantic.
The Interim Director General for the Quebec Red Cross, Pascal Mathieu, gave an update Wednesday on the work done so far to help the victims of the train disaster that destroyed Lac-Megantic’s downtown core and claimed the lives of 47 people.
The Red Cross, which has already distributed $500,000 in emergency assistance to meet the basic needs of those affected, is now entering phase two of its assistance program: short-term care of evacuees.
Find out how you can help victims of the Quebec train explosion here
The agency expects to spend $4.4 million at this stage to cover the additional cost of accommodation and provide support during the school year for children of displaced families and affected workers.
Money is also expected to go to those who are self-employed, including small business owners and community organizations, to help with the purchase of goods, equipment and relocation costs.
The Red Cross also has plans in the works to create scholarships for those children who lost a parent in the tragedy.
Additional money will also be devoted to long-term recovery, because, as Mathieu acknowledged, some people will have a long wait – months, perhaps years – before they are able to return to their downtown homes and businesses.
He promised that the Red Cross would remain in the area for as long as the funds would allow.
Get full coverage the Lac-Megantic train disaster here
– With files from The Canadian Press
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