Office of the Premier
Following the tragic aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan, the Province is committing to match up to a total of $300,000 in monetary donations that British Columbians make to the Canadian Red Cross by Dec. 9, 2013, for disaster relief in the Philippines.
"So many British Columbians have roots in the Philippines - family or friends the storm has left homeless, missing or waiting to be rescued. The provincial government will match every dollar British Columbians donate to the Canadian Red Cross - up to $300,000," said Premier Christy Clark.
"This will support search-and-rescue missions and provide assistance on the ground. I encourage all British Columbians to dig deep and do what they can to help."
On Friday, Super Typhoon Haiyan - one of the strongest storms ever recorded with wind speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour -destroyed at least 80,000 homes, left more than 600,000 displaced, and completely devastated parts of the Central Philippines. Approximately 100,000 people currently living in British Columbia are of Filipino descent.
"By making a donation, British Columbians will help the Red Cross distribute food and provide blankets, medical support, hygiene kits and sleeping mats to those most affected in the Philippines," said International Trade Minister and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism Teresa Wat.
"Today's commitment from our government, combined with the federal government's offer to match every eligible donation made by individual Canadians, means every dollar donated by British Columbians to the Red Cross for Typhoon Haiyan relief could be worth three dollars to the people of the Philippines," said Attorney General and Justice Minister Suzanne Anton.
Qualifying monetary donations can be made until Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, at any one of 195 BC Liquor Stores throughout the province, or directly on the Canadian Red Cross website at: http://www.redcross.ca/donate/donate-online/donate-to-the-typhoon-haiyan-fund
Media Contact:
Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252
