(Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Foreign Aid

Province announces grant to help victims of Beirut explosion

Aug 28, 2020 | 11:51 AM

Alberta is joining efforts to help victims of the Beirut explosion with a $500,000 grant to the Canadian Red Cross.

The grant will mean every donation Albertans make to the Canadian Red Cross will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000.

The funds will help the Canadian Red Cross provide supports to individuals in Lebanon, where an explosion at the Beirut port killed more than 200 people and left thousands injured on Aug. 4.

“Albertans are very generous and know the importance of helping those in need,” said Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, in a press release. “We hope this grant will encourage people to give what they can to help those impacted by this tragic event.”

“The Canadian Red Cross is very grateful to the Government of Alberta for their generous financial support, which will help the Red Cross continue its critical work on the ground in Lebanon,” added Jenn McManus, Canadian Red Cross, vice-president of Alberta & NWT. “From the moment of the explosion in Beirut, Red Cross personnel have been responding around the clock by providing emergency medical assistance, food, water, masks, gloves and other essential relief items to assist the people impacted by this tragic event.”

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“Working in consultation and coordination with the Lebanese Red Cross,” continued McManus. “The Canadian Red Cross will help ensure the funds are used to meet the most urgent needs resulting from the explosion in Beirut, in addition to assisting with the unfolding humanitarian crises in Lebanon.”

Government officials say Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia have now contributed to this relief effort. In addition, the Canadian Government has pledged $3 million, with another $2 million in matching funds.

Funds are needed for humanitarian aid, such as shelter, food and water, as well as rebuilding critical infrastructure like hospitals and schools.

Albertans can learn more or make a donation by visiting: https://www.redcross.ca/about-us/media-news/news-releases/red-cross-assisting-people-impacted-by-explosion-in-lebanon.