Canadian Red Cross provides assistance to Lac-Mégantic survivors

On July 6, a freight train carrying crude oil was derailed in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, causing a series of major explosions and fires to break out in the community.

An estimated 2,000 people were evacuated from their homes as a result of the emergency, with many forced to find alternate forms of shelter.

As one of the most active non-profit organizations in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross immediately mobilized teams of volunteers to deploy emergency equipment and personnel to aid in relief efforts.

Since the emergency occurred, the Canadian Red Cross has provided essential support to people on the ground and has helped give individuals the resources they need to move forward.

Relief efforts in Lac-Mégantic
The Canadian Red Cross immediately leapt into action after the emergency in Lac-Mégantic, assembling a mobile rapid response unit to send to the area. The unit was supplied with emergency equipment, including more than 700 cots, blankets, pillows and hygiene kits, to help displaced residents.

A reception centre and shelter were opened by the Red Cross at the Montignac secondary school, located in Lac-Mégantic, to help people impacted by the tragedy and provide them with immediate support. The Red Cross also set up a call centre in Montreal to help raise funds for the relief effort.

Banks in Canada show their support
On July 10, the Canadian Red Cross announced that banks across the country would begin accepting cash donations for the Red Cross to benefit the survivors of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy. 

"Red Cross teams have been working around the clock to help thousands of people left devastated by this emergency," said Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "We are grateful to the participating banks for making it easier for Canadians to support Red Cross relief operations underway."

How you can help
The tragedy in Lac-Mégantic has impacted not just the immediate community, but people across Canada and the world.

This disaster has also shown how rapidly and unexpectedly emergency situations can occur, which highlights how essential it that the Canadian Red Cross and its dedicated team of staff and volunteers are there to provide assistance when people need it most.

From providing emergency shelter to helping with family reunification, there are a variety of services that the Canadian Red Cross provides to help men, women and children who have been impacted by disaster.

By giving people access to food, water and shelter and by also exposing them to new skills, the Canadian Red Cross helps people overcome potential challenges.

If you want to make a difference today and show your support for the Canadian Red Cross' work, please donate online or at a local Red Cross office today. Your generous contribution can help the Canadian Red Cross continue in its mission of assisting those who have been stricken by hardship gain a better and more satisfying future.