The Quebec government is donating $500,000 to a special Red Cross flood relief fund.
In a news conference Monday morning, Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux and Red Cross officials said special funding is being established to go directly to flood victims in Quebec.
The City of Montreal also confirmed it intends to kick in $250,000.
Red Cross is helping communities affected by #flooding. Canadians can donate here: https://t.co/32DJdca609 pic.twitter.com/DLtHJSlAMx
— Canadian Red Cross (@redcrosscanada) May 8, 2017
The Red Cross has been on the ground helping flood victims for a few weeks in areas throughout the province and says additional funding will help them provide support to communities for a longer period of time.
The money will go to food, basic home repairs, kids’ needs, and personal services, officials said.
Right now, the organization is in nine regions in 12 operational centres and is helping some 1,400 people.
The Red Cross said the needs will vary as time goes on, but right now they are providing shelter, hotels, and vouchers for food and clothing.
There are about 100 Red Cross volunteers in the field and that number is growing daily.
Those who would like to lend a hand to the relief efforts are advised to reach out to the Red Cross directly to see how they can best pitch in.
The Quebec government and the Red Cross say the best way for Quebecers to help with flood relief is to donate to the special fund.
In addition to the $500,000 government donation Quebec will also cover all administrative fees, which means 100 per cent of donated funds will go directly to relief.
The government stressed that the money will go further by pooling all resources to the Red Cross.
“They are on the ground, they are in the field. They know what people need, and they are a major partner,” said MNA Lise Theriault. “We think it’s better to put all the money into the same place, because they know the needs… with the Red Cross, you are sure all the money you give is going to help people.”
Those who which to donate can do so on the Red Cross flood relief page, or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
Money can also be donated to the Red Cross at Metro, Super C, Rona, Banque Nationale and Caisse Desjardins.
