CAMBRIDGE, Ont., SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 – Kin Canada is gearing up efforts to aid victims of the August 29th hurricane that devastated the American Gulf Coast regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, including the historic city of New Orleans.
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in North America. The impact of the storm, combined with the collapse of the levee system in New Orleans, resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, countless wounded, and the displacement of more than one million people.
?When a disaster of this magnitude strikes our neighbours, our responsibility to serve the community?s greatest needs extends beyond Canadian borders,? said Ric McDonald, Kin Canada Executive Director. “For that reason, I call upon our thousands of members across Canada to contribute what they can in aid of the stricken areas.”
As with the January tsunami relief campaign, in which $50,000 was collected in only a few days, it is anticipated that Kinsmen and Kinettes from coast to coast will again rise to the challenge. The Kinsmen Club of Miramichi has already donated $1000 and is challenging other clubs to match or exceed that contribution.
Kin Canada is pledging to redirect all monies collected during the month of September to the Canadian Red Cross Hurricane Katrina fund. Donations to the relief fund from members, alumni and the general public will be accepted until September 30, 2005. Cheques may be made out to the National Disaster Fund, indicating Hurricane Katrina relief on the memo line. VISA and MasterCard are also being accepted by calling (800) 742- 5546 ext. 206.
The mailing address is:
Kin Canada
1920 Hal Rogers Drive
Box KIN
Cambridge, ON N3H 5C6
Media Contact: Laura Johnston
Communications Coordinator
Kin Canada
(800) 742-5546 ext. 205
ljohnston@kinclubs.ca