October 14, 2005

TORONTO - Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle today presented the Canadian Red Cross with a cheque for $1 million on behalf of the people of Ontario to help victims of last weekend's earthquake in South Asia.

"We've acted quickly to get the money to the people who need it most," Colle said. " Ontario is home to people from throughout the world. No matter how far from our own borders disaster strikes, it affects us, and we respond."

The $1 million donation is part of the five point plan Premier McGuinty announced on October 10 in response to the disaster.

Ontario President of the Canadian Red Cross Gwen Medcalf received the cheque on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

"The Red Cross counts on the generosity of Canadian individuals, corporations, organizations and governments to enable us to respond quickly and effectively following a disaster," said Medcalf. "This contribution by the Government of Ontario will go a long way to helping us provide shelter, food, water and medical supplies to the millions of people left homeless."

The government has assembled an earthquake response team that includes the Commissioner of Emergency Management, Julian Fantino, and Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sheela Basrur.

The province is working with the federal government to respond to requests for equipment, supplies and expertise necessary to support the relief effort as quickly as possible. The Ontario government is also maintaining contact with the consuls general of Pakistan and India to assure them that Ontario is helping in their time of need.

Colle thanked Ontarians who have already donated and reiterated Premier McGuinty's call for Ontarians, including members of the Ontario Public Service, to give generously to local relief organizations.

"The need is great," Minister Colle said. "As is the generosity of Ontarians."

Community Initiatives

Cash donations:
Financial contributions are being accepted at any branch of the Royal Bank and the Bank of Montreal under the name Pakistan Earthquake Relief Fund

This is being organized by the
Consulate General of Pakistan
240 Duncan Mill Road, Suite 402
North York, ON
M3B 1Z4
Telephone: (416) 250-1255/1256
website : www.pakmission.ca
email: pareptoronto@sprint.ca

Emergency Supplies:
The donation of supplies, such as medicine and blankets, are being accepted by ICNA Relief Canada.
Supplies can be deposited at two GTA locations:

ICNA Relief Canada
391 Burnhamthorpe Road East
Oakville, ON L6H 7B4
(905) 257-9997

or

ICNA Relief Canada
165 Dundas Street West, Suite 113
Mississauga, ON L5B 2N6
(905) 277-4357

or visit their website:
www.icnareliefcanada.ca