B.C. floods: Red Cross raises $12 million for flood victims
The outpouring of support from Canadians and B.C. residents for flood victims has been overwhelming. In less than two weeks, the Canadian Red Cross has raised more than $12 million to assist those affected by the extreme weather. That amount will triple with matching donations from the B.C. and federal governments.
"So what's available is $2,000 per household for those households that were evacuated on an evacuation order," said Pat Quealey, Canadian Red Cross vice-president for B.C. and Yukon.
In less than a week, nearly $6 million has been distributed to evacuees.
It didn't hurt that Vancouver native and celebrity Ryan Reynolds made a donation and posted a link to the Red Cross fundraising link on social media.
"It's thanks also to the generosity of all our donors," added Quealey. We're also humbled that folks like Ryan Reynolds are viewing the Red Cross as a credible and important partner in providing these supports."
However, it's not just money being offered. Red Cross workers are on the ground providing other assistance.
"Things like the provision of supplies, cots, blankets, clean up kits, as people anticipate and are being able to start their recovery," said Quealey.
He says the Red Cross has established itself in key centres including Abbotsford, Merritt, Kamloops, Princeton and Chilliwack.
If you would like to donate click here and to register for assistance click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.