Multiple aid organizations are collecting donations to help those affected by the massive earthquake in Haiti that has devasted the country and taken thousands of lives.
Among the groups accepting donations to help those in Haiti are:
- The Canadian Red Cross - online at www.redcross.ca, toll-free line 1-800-418-1111.
- The Mennonite Central Committee - online at www.mcc.org , phone 261-6381, or toll-free at 1-888-622-6337. The MCC also has a list of items needed on its website.
- The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg - online at www.jewishwinnipeg.org, phone 477-7428 or by mail or in person to their offices at C300-123 Doncaster St.
- Unicef Canada - online at www.unicef.ca or by calling 1-877-955-3111.
- United Firefighters of Winnipeg - money donations can be made at any fire hall, with cheques made payable to Canadian Red Cross Haitian relief effort.
- B'nai Brith - online at www.bnaibrigth.ca, by phone at 1-800-274-2310
- Safeway Canada - financial donations can be made at any Safeway customer service counter
The federal government announced earlier it will match, dollar for dollar, Canadians' individual donations to registered charities to support the relief and recovery efforts in Haiti -- up to a total of $50 million.
The Manitoba government announced that it will give $100,000 in support to Haiti. The money will go towards aid and reconstruction, through the Manitoba Council for International Co-operation.
Canada's Foreign Affairs Department has set up an emergency centre to help Canadians connect with loved ones in Haiti. People can call the command centre at 1-800-387-3124.
The Better Business Bureau is also cautioning people to make sure they're donating to legitimate charities. Information is available on its website at www.bbb.org/us/charity.
