District residents wishing to make donations at a branch of Affinity Credit Union in support of refugees in Europe have until the end of the month to have those donations matched by the Government of Canada.
The Canadian Red Cross and Saskatchewan Credit Unions announced on September 14 that cash donations to help refugees forced from their homes will be accepted at participating Saskatchewan credit unions until September 30, said a release from the Red Cross. All donations made by Canadians will be matched, up to $100 million, by the Government of Canada until December 31, 2015.
“This refugee crisis is taking a tremendous toll on families who are forced to flee their homes,” said Sarah Fedirko, manager of corporate appeals for the Red Cross in Saskatchewan. “No single country can handle this crisis alone; a collaborative approach from everyone is required. We can do our part in Saskatchewan by donating to support humanitarian aid being provided to affected families.”
Millions of people are displaced both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, the release said. The Red Cross is providing first aid, medical care, psychological support and distributing food, temporary shelter and other urgently needed items. With no end in sight, help is desperately needed to support families fleeing their homes.
“Credit unions have always been about people helping people,” said Debbie Lane, executive vice-president of SaskCentral. “We are proud credit unions throughout our province can help by collecting donations for the millions of Syrian refugees who have fled their homes.”
Canadians wishing to support Red Cross efforts can make a financial donation to the Refugee Crisis Appeal online at www.redcross.ca, by contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office or at any Saskatchewan credit union branch until September 30.
A financial donation is the best way to help, as Red Cross/Red Crescent societies already have trained personnel working on the crisis, the release said.
