Canadian Red Cross Welcomes Investment From Government of Canada

OTTAWA, Ontario, May 18 -- The Canadian Red Cross issued the following news release:

The Canadian Red Cross welcomes up to $100 million in funding announced by the Government of Canada to help augment public health measures during COVID-19, and enhance the organization's capacity for response to floods and wildfires.

The Red Cross has an important role in Canada's response to this pandemic. The additional funding will help the Red Cross to meet increased demand as a result of COVID-19, and be better equipped in communities across the country for unforeseen events, such as floods or wildfires.

The Red Cross will use the funding to:

* Purchase emergency equipment and supplies, including a mobile field hospital, to help augment public health efforts

* Support quarantine and isolation sites

* Expand roster of public health and epidemic prevention and control specialists

* Increase ability for delivery of services digitally to help accommodate physical distancing

* Provide public awareness and educational activities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

* Increase volunteer recruitment and training specific to responding during a pandemic

* Support disaster and emergency efforts

Quote

"The Canadian Red Cross is thankful for the funding announced today by the Government of Canada. COVID-19 has impacted Canadians in unprecedented ways, and the Red Cross is committed to assisting people as needs continue to emerge. This contribution is a key investment that will enable the Red Cross to adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19, as well as help to assist Canadians by equipping, recruiting and training people to be better prepared for events that occur during this pandemic and beyond."

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About the Canadian Red Cross

Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies - the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and throughout the world.