Territory helps Pacific relief cause

The Yukon government has provided $25,000 to help the Canadian Red Cross in its relief efforts in the Asia Pacific region.

“The disasters from Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines and Vietnam, and the earthquake and tsunami on the Samoan Islands, combined with the earthquake off the west coast of Indonesia have exacted a terrible toll on the people of the Asia Pacific region,” Premier Dennis Fentie said Monday.

“Our hearts go out to the people in these regions who are suffering.”

The money will complement the estimated $8,500 the local Filipino community raised at a banquet held over the weekend. Further donations from that event are still flowing in.

The four disasters have taken the lives of hundreds of people and resulted in ongoing hardships. The Canadian Red Cross is mobilized and providing a key role in the disaster recoveries.

The Yukon’s contribution supcomplements the relief efforts of the Canadian Red Cross around the world, particularly those underway in the Asia Pacific region.

“Yukon is pleased to contribute financially to these international relief efforts,” Fentie added.

“On behalf of all Yukoners, I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Canadian Red Cross and other Canadian relief agencies for their continued dedication to helping people in need.”

The Yukon government also made donations to the Canadian Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Myanmar Cyclone in 2008.

Yukoners wishing to donate may contact the Canadian Red Cross Donation Inquiries office toll-free at 1-866-291-8979 or visit http://www.redcross.ca for more information on the relief efforts underway.