Hurricane Irma and Maria
Note: This appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross.
Through the generous support of Canadians, as well as corporate and government donations, over $5.4 million was raised to support this operation.
The hurricanes
Striking within weeks of each other, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated parts of the Caribbean. Thousands of homes and buildings were flattened, and many more completely submerged in floodwaters. Entire plantations were destroyed, roads wiped out, and power grids damaged. Hundreds of thousands of families were stripped of life’s basic essentials.
Red Cross Response
The local Red Cross on each island mobilized immediately to ensure people were safe and their basic needs were met.
Right away, the Canadian Red Cross sent personnel to the ground to assist in emergency operations, ensuring people had relief supplies, clean water, and food. Thousands of shelter kits and tarps were provided so people could have a safe, dry place to sleep.
The Canadian Red Cross also deployed two hospital rehabilitation modules to Antigua and Barbuda to support damaged health facilities. This included equipment for a new emergency room in the local hospital in Barbuda which was badly damaged.
Road to recovery
In the year since, the Red Cross has continued helping people and communities as they recover and rebuild. Donations have contributed towards long term shelter solutions, supplied kitchen sets, provided cash assistance for basic needs, and supported the rehabilitation of health care facilities.
Today, the Red Cross continues to support the people of the Caribbean who were affected by these two massive storms. While there is work still to be done, our supporters have already made an incredible difference.
Donor Reports
Last updated
January 2019