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Red Cross ready to support Japan

Mar 11, 2011 | 12:55 PM

While information about the earthquake continues to be released, people increasingly want to know where to help.

The Saskatchewan Red Cross is working with the national body to have supports set up for the disaster in Japan and surrounding companies, said spokeswoman Amanda Ulrich.

“We are collecting donations so that we can support the relief efforts on the ground in Japan,” she said.

The funds won’t just be limited to Japan, but any of the surrounding Pacific island nations that may be affected.

“That fund is a little broad encompassing so we can assist in all the disasters that come out of that situation,” Ulrich said.

Across Canada there are also volunteers that are ready.

“In Canada here, we do have a roster of trained delegates that are ready to be deployed quickly and because we’re community based with Global support, we are also able to do that if Japan requests it,” Ulrich said.

“We won’t do it unless they request the help because we don’t want to be a burden.”

There are three ways to donate to Red Cross, Ulrich said.

The local Prince Albert office is at 54-11th Street East, by phone 1-800-418-1111 or online at redcross.ca/helpnow

Funds can be earmarked for the Japan Earthquake, Asia Tsunami Fund.

ahill@panow.com