Canadian Red Cross provides essential support for areas affected by Hurricane Sandy

The devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy has taken a tremendous toll in parts of North America and the Caribbean, including countries like Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica.

As the country's leading humanitarian organization, the Canadian Red Cross provides critical assistance to communities affected by emergencies and disasters across the world. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Canadian Red Cross leapt into action to support services designed to improve the lives of those in need.

Hurricane Sandy in North America
In the eastern region of the United States, the scope of the damage left behind by Hurricane Sandy is immense, and particularly felt in areas like New York and New Jersey. As many as 60 million people in the United States and Canada suffered setbacks due to the storm. The Canadian Red Cross has deployed volunteers to aid in disaster relief and is committed to supporting National Societies, like the American Red Cross, in their efforts.

The storm's impact in the Caribbean
In the Caribbean, Hurricane Sandy resulted in the deaths of 69 people and led to the damage or destruction of more than 110,000 homes. Haiti, which is still in the midst of recovering from previous emergencies, was left reeling in the wake of the storm and more than 18,000 families were affected.

"This is the second time Haiti has been hit this year and we are once again responding to peoples' needs, working before, during and after both storms to help to prepare and recover," said Dr. Jean Pierre Guiteau, executive director of the Haitian Red Cross Society. "The needs are great and we are working in communities across the affected areas to help people get back on their feet."

In addition to supporting the Haitian Red Cross Society, the Canadian Red Cross has trained personnel and equipment on standby to be deployed to Haiti if requested.

Make a difference today
"The needs in affected communities are great, and recovery will be a long-term process," said Canadian Red Cross CEO and Secretary General Conrad Sauvé. "Local volunteers have been responding around the clock to meet urgent life-saving needs of disaster-affected communities. The Canadian Red Cross is proud to support their efforts."

While volunteers are providing essential assistance to the Canadian Red Cross in areas weakened by Hurricane Sandy, support from seven banks across Canada that are currently accepting donations has been a crucial source of aid.

"Thanks to the help of these banks, Canadians now have another easy way to contribute to the Red Cross response to Hurricane Sandy," added Sauvé.

To make a difference in the lives of those who need assistance and to contribute to the relief efforts of the Canadian Red Cross, please donate online or at your local Canadian Red Cross office today.