HRM’s military families raise thousands for Haiti
Posted Apr 20, 2010 05:54:47 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Canada’s military responded when called on after the January earthquake in Haiti, and so did metro’s military community.
A two-month fundraising campaign by local military members and their families has ended with a cheque presentation to the Canadian Red Cross.
Pancake breakfasts, a battle of the bands, and a charity auction were among the fundraising efforts by members of HRM’s military community for Haitian relief.
A cheque for nearly $40,000 was turned over to the Red Cross during a ceremony Monday afternoon.
Maritime Atlantic commander Rear Admiral Paul Maddison says he was impressed by the effort.
“This speaks very highly to the men and women in uniform here and our families in terms of their compassion and their empathy,” said the Rear Admiral.
Gavin Giles of the Red Cross gladly received the donation, calling it a tremendous gesture. He says the Red Cross is still very active in Haiti including operating a field hospital.
“[It’s] treating up to 20 emergent or urgent cases daily,” he said. “It is still involved in the production of fresh water and the construction of temporary structures to house refugees.”
Canadians have donated $125 million to Haitian relief, more than any other country in the world.
Giles says they’re still accepting donations.
