Local Red Cross improves disaster response programs

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti announces $56,800 for local Red Cross

Provincial investment enhances capacity of emergency preparedness programs

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - The provincial government is supporting the Sault Ste. Marie & District Canadian Red Cross Society with $56,800 to improve its emergency preparedness and disaster relief programs, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“The Canadian Red Cross provides assistance to disaster victims by helping provide for their basic needs, such as shelter, family reunification, first aid, clothing and food,” said Orazietti. “This grant helps our local Red Cross improve the capacity of existing programs that are vital to many of our residents in the Sault and Algoma District and will also allow the organization to train a number of new volunteers for future challenges.”

The funding, which is being delivered through the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), will be delivered over two years and will help increase the capacity of the Algoma District branch to recruit and train volunteers to provide assistance in local small and large-scale disasters, such as floods and house fires, and to train vulnerable populations on how to prepare for potential disasters.

“The Canadian Red Cross is extremely grateful for this funding from Trillium,” said Diane Lajambe, district branch manager for the Red Cross in Sault Ste Marie. “It will help build the capacity of the Red Cross and local residents and will result in a better prepared, safer and more resilient community.”

The Canadian Red Cross has been working to improve the lives of vulnerable people since 1909.

Disaster management, which includes training in emergency preparedness, disaster relief and first aid, is one of the organization’s national priorities.

Other provincial investments in Sault Ste. Marie through The Ontario Trillium Foundation total over $4 million and include organizations such as:

- $138,000 Algoma Residential Community Hospice

- $120,000 Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

- $ 98,700 Community Living Algoma

- $93,000 Sault Youth Association

- $77,300 Soo Pee Wee Association

- $75,000 Sault Ste. Marie Skatepark

- $68,500 Learning Disabilities Association Sault Ste. Marie

- $67,500 Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie

- $60,000 Sault Ste. Marie Symphony Association

- $60,000 Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club

- $50,000 Tarentorus Sports Club

- $41,000 United Way of Sault Ste. Marie

- $30,000 Searchmont Ski Runners

- $30,000 Family YMCA Sault Ste. Marie

- $27,600 Echoes Drum Festival Sault Ste. Marie

- $15,000 St. Mary’s River Marine Heritage Centre

- $14,500 Art Gallery of Algoma

A leading grant maker in Canada, The Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives.

An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

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