NEWS

The Ontario government is donating $1 million in response to Chinese requests for international assistance for the earthquake relief effort.  The money is going to the Red Cross to help the victims of the earthquake that hit southwest China on Monday, May 12.

The earthquake destroyed roads and toppled buildings, trapping many thousands in the rubble.

The Canadian Red Cross is providing donations to the Red Cross Society of China, which in turn is working with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to conduct emergency assessments to determine the needs of survivors.

QUOTES

“Ontarians’ thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones, and with those involved in the effort to save their fellow citizens and rebuild communities,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

QUICK FACTS

• An earthquake of 7.8 on the Richter scale hit Sichuan province in south west China at 2:45 local time on May 12. It is China’s worst earthquake since 1976. The affected area is the size of Belgium.
• Latest Chinese media reports say that more than 50,000 people may have died. About 10 million across Sichuan province have been directly affected by the disaster.

LEARN MORE

Read more about the Red Cross relief effort in China.

To support relief and recovery activities, contribute online or call 1-800-418-1111.

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Contacts:
Daphne Shih,  Minister’s Office, (416) 325-3460
Donna Piasentini, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7012