Red Cross Respond To Earthquake in Indonesia Halifax, NS May 27th s earthquake in Indonesia measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale has killed 4,500 people, injured an estimated 20,000 people, and over 100,000 people are now homeless due to the collapse of more than 3,000 homes. Check Out Our Latest Issue of the Northern Light The Canadian Red Cross has made an initial contribution of $600,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross, which has launched a preliminary emergency appeal for $10.8 million to support the Indonesia Red Cross in providing assistance to survivors. It is expected that the amount of the emergency appeal will increase as the full extent of the devastation becomes known. The initial images that we are seeing from Indonesia are ones of devastation, and it is very important for Canadians to support the relief efforts that are now underway, says John Byrne, General Manger, Canadian Red Cross, Atlantic Zone. Red Cross relief workers and resources that were supporting Tsunami activities in the region have been re-deployed to respond to the humanitarian emergency caused by this earthquake and we expect that they will need additional material resources that will be secured with the financial donations we receive. Pg 6. In the immediate hours after the disaster, the Indonesia Red Cross Society mobilized more than 400 volunteers as well as key staff to undertake assessment and the relief operation. Five medical action teams from the Red Cross hospital in Bogor and Red Cross operations at Mt. Merapi are already operational on the ground. Five more medical teams from the surrounding areas are on the way. Local volunteers have begun distributing ready food, water, tents, tarpaulins, and baby kits to the affected population. As well, a mobile field hospital that was based in Acheh has now arrived in Yogyakarta, and will be operational within the next few days. The field hospital is equipped to serve 200,000 and is staffed primarily by Indonesian health personnel who were trained by the Red Cross as part of the Tsunami operations in Aceh and elsewhere. The Canadian Red Cross will continue to monitor the situation closely. Those wishing to make a donation may contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or donate online at www.redcross.ca. Or visit your local office.
Family Campaign Update! Thank you volunteers and staff for your commitment to Compassion... During the month of March our Family Campaign kicked off for 2006! Thanks to you, over 60 staff and volunteers participated and raise an incredible $6,235.00, 13% increase over last year! I want to personally congratulate and thank everyone who participated. You are helping make compassion a reality to so many. Kindest regards Bill Campbell Regional Director, NS Region The Canadian Red Cross is Ready for Hurricane Season Halifax, NS June 1st marks the start of hurricane season in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Canadian Red Cross is ready to respond this season should the need arise and is urging the public to be prepared for disasters in their homes and at their cottages. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which four to six could become 'major' hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. Warmer ocean water combined with a number of other factors will favor the development of storms in greater numbers and to greater intensity. The Canadian Red Cross preparations have included: Training nearly 500 volunteers in their new Disaster Services training program The deployment of seven new disaster trailers The deployment of its sixth Emergency Response Vehicle Initiating a new corporate volunteer program with RBC Financial Group Procuring three satellite phones Upgrading communications systems Increasing its inventory of cots, blankets, comfort kits and shelter supplies For more info: www.redcross.ca/disasterpreparedness or contact Mona O Brien at 895-3894 or via e-mail at mona.obrien@redcross.ca
Red Cross Urges You To Stay Safe This Summer The May 24th long weekend was the start of the boating season and the Canadian Red Cross is urging everyone to wear their PFD before heading to the water. Boating is an integral part of life for many. Each year over half the population goes out in a boat at least once, be it for fishing, water skiing, or just enjoying an afternoon cruise. Unfortunately, every year some of these boating trips end in tragedy. This is especially true if you re an adult male who spends time at a lake, likes to drink, enjoys boating, and doesn t wear a personal flotation device (PFD), based on years of drowning statistics tracked by the Canadian Red Cross. Men are four times more likely than women to become a drowning fatality. However, we can take certain precautions to escape from becoming another statistic by following some basic prevention steps - such as boat sober, wear a PFD, and know the dangers of cold water and hypothermia. The annual Drowning Report by the Canadian Red Cross shows that about 75% of those who drown in boating incidents were not wearing a PFD or lifejacket. What is tragic is that most drowning are preventable by simply wearing a PFD. The fact is that many of these people probably owned a PFD, but they weren t wearing it. The majority of fatal accidents result from falling overboard or sudden capsize. In these situations there was no time to put on a PFD! PFD s help keep boaters afloat while they attend to the urgent task of climbing back on board. If you can t get back on your boat, your PFD will help delay hypothermia by allowing you to keep your head above water while still conserving body heat until help arrives. Most drownings are predictable and preventable, which makes them all the more tragic. By taking simple safety precautions, most boaters can enjoy a great season without mishap or injury. This boating season be responsible and remember that a lifejacket will only work if you wear it. Information on water and boating safety is available from your local Red Cross office or on the web at www.redcross.ca and www.boatsmartcanada.com. - IMPORTANT DATES - June 20, 2006 July 6, 2006 Pictou County Emergeny Response Team Meeting Family Fun Fest 6:30 p.m. Truro Service CentreVolunteers If you haven t received your invitiation, please call Heather at 895-3894 July 1, 2006 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN AMHERST, TRURO AND NEW GLASGOW Call for further information In Amhest: 667-8795 (Angie) In Truro: 895-3894 (Annette) In New Glasgow: 752-5678 (Marie) - 3
Thank You Pathfinders Amherst Pathfinders Group participated in the door to door campaign on May 8, 2006 Northern Nova ScotiaStatistics May 2006 Loans 119 Returns 181 Transactions 300 Clients 104 Donations 92 Total Donations $2234.61 We Need Your Help! Volunteer opportunities at the Truro and Amherst Service centers. If you have 2 hours per week to spare on a weekday morning or afternoon and would like to get involved in the HELP program we would love to hear from you. Contact: (Truro) Martin 895-3894 (Amherst) Angie 667-8794
TAKE ME ALONG Whenever young children are near the water with their parent or caregiver, they should take me along! I ll help keep you safe and help you float. Draw a PFD on everyone who should be wearing one. Northern Nova Scotia Statistics - May 2006 Volunteers Trained 20 Participants at Awareness Campaign 239 People Assisted 28 Responses 2 Volunteer Hours 24 5
Wal-Mart Canada Disaster Partnership Background In recent years, Wal-Mart has actively supported the Canadian Red Cross. Here are a few examples of how Wal-Mart and their 212 stores across the country have helped: In 2002, $130,000 was raised at Wal-Mart/Red Cross Weekends held at 50 Wal-Mart stores. In 2004, $700,000 was raised through local Red Cross Wal Mart Days in Canada. In May 2003, Wal-Mart included a full page article on Red Cross Disaster Services in its national flyer. When flash flooding struck the Bois-Francs region of Quebec last summer, Wal-Mart provided merchandise vouchers to affected families. During the B.C. forest fires last summer, Wal-Mart gave thousands of dollars worth of merchandise vouchers, made a $150,000 corporate contribution and encouraged shoppers in 21 B.C. stores to donate to the Red Cross appeal. After Hurricane Juan devastated Nova Scotia in September 2003, Wal-Mart provided bottled water and food for evacuees. Wal-Mart also provided Red Cross and other first responders with flashlights and other equipment. Partnership A formal corporate partnership was officially launched with Wal-Mart at a press event in Halifax on October 23, 2003. It is estimated that this three-year partnership is valued at more than $1.4 million. There are three aspects of this partnership: National Corporate Partnership Local Level Partnership Promotion & Events Over three years, Wal-Mart will provide the Red Cross with: store merchandise valued up to $252,000 for use in disaster relief/house fire response, 8,000 co-branded teddy bears, 15,000 co-branded blankets, 33,000 co-branded comfort kits, other assistance, depending on the disaster. Wal-Mart will encourage its associates (staff members) and their families to become trained as disaster volunteers and take Red Cross first aid training at a discounted fee. Coming Soon To A Wal-Mart Near You Wal-Mart Days If you love what you do you'll never work another day in your life. unknown