THUNDER BAY – The Red Cross is starting to wind down relief efforts in Attawapiskat. Today is the last day that Canadians can make targeted donations to the Red Cross to assist in the relief efforts in Attawapiskat. The Red Cross set in place that they would require $280,000 in order to meet the immediate needs of the community, and the organization forecasts that should be met by today. The Red Cross has been updating the public over the time they have been on the ground in Attawapiskat.
The organizations has provided the following series of answers to questions that they have frequently been asked about their efforts on the ground in Attawapiskat.
When is the CRC closing the Attawapiskat fund?
The CRC will close the Attawapiskat fund effective Friday, December 9.
Why is the CRC closing the Attawapiskat fund?
Thanks to the swift and generous response of Canadians, the Red Cross is now able to meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable families in the community. These needs include winter clothing, bed frames, mattresses, floor mats, heaters, sleeping bags, generators, insulating materials, industrial washing machine and dryer, plastic wash basins.
How much money has been raised for Attawapiskat?
To date, Canadians have generously donated more than $260,000 dollars.
How much money do you need to meet the needs?
The Canadian Red Cross has projected the cost of meeting immediate needs to be approximately $280,000. These needs were identified working closely with the community. Flights of supplies have already arrived and been distributed in the community and we are continuing to finalize procurement of other items and more shipments will occur over the next several days.
What will you do with donations received after the fund closes?
The CRC has made every effort to inform Canadians that this fund will close effective December 9. The Red Cross will continue to accept donations from third party fundraising initiatives already established with the Red Cross prior to December 9. For any donations received after December 9, donors will be invited to redirect their donation or have it returned.
What will you do if you exceed your target?
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to honouring donor intent and all donations received by December 9, earmarked for Attawapiskat, will be directed to meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable families in the community.
Why is the Canadian Red Cross responding in Attawapiskat?
Our goal in Attawapiskat is to ensure that the immediate needs of the community are met, which includes making sure families have the supplies they need to survive the winter.
The support of the Canadian Red Cross was requested by Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence. At the Chief’s request, and in close communication with provincial and federal government officials, the Canadian Red Cross agreed to provide urgently needed support to help families living in dwellings unsuitable for the sub-zero weather the community is facing.
The Canadian Red Cross has a strong mandate in emergency response – not just internationally, but right here in Canada – and we are able to quickly mobilize our expertise and network of trained volunteers to respond to needs immediately.
How has the Canadian Red Cross determined needs for this community?
Upon arrival in Attawapiskat, member s of the Canadian Red Cross team met with local officials and visited the dwellings of those living in the community to determine needs.
What items is the Canadian Red Cross bringing to Attawapiskat?
With donations from generous Canadians the Red Cross is able to procure specific items needed for the community. Identified items include: winter clothing; bed frames, mattresses, floor mats, heaters, sleeping bags, generators, plastic sheeting, flashlights, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, heat shields, first aid kits, industrial washing machine and dryer, plastic wash basins, hygiene kits, and insulating materials.
Why does the Canadian Red Cross only accept financial donations?
The most effective way to support the needs following an emergeny is through a financial donation. This will avoid unnecessary costs such as transportation and will ensure that the Red Cross is able to secure the most needed and appropriate items quickly and effectively. While well-intentioned, the Red Cross does not accept donations of goods.