American Red Cross Sends $30 Million in Aid

Red Cross Volunteer Emergency Response Teams Prepare for Deployment to Sri Lanka

B-ROLL FEEDS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 3:00 – 3:15 PM ET C-BAND IA6 Tr. 15 DL4000 V

WASHINGTON, Friday, December 31, 2004 — Today, the American Red Cross announced it is sending an initial $30 million in aid to the affected areas hit by the tsunami. Of this, $25 million will help pay for relief food supplies for the victims of this disaster and the remaining $5 million will be used for non-food relief items, such as hygiene kits.

Contributions continue to pour in for the relief effort, and as of 7:00 pm ET on Thursday evening, December 30, the American public had generously pledged $43.7 million to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. Contributions to a relief organization like the American Red Cross will allow the organization to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to those in need.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, along with national societies like the American Red Cross, are working in partnership to provide relief and aid to those affected by this tragedy. With a disaster of this magnitude, many international humanitarian and non-government organizations are coordinating relief efforts.

On Wednesday, December 29, three American Red Cross relief workers were deployed from the United States to the affected regions. In addition, a four-member Emergency Response Unit (ERU) team, specializing and trained in relief supply distribution, will be deployed today, December 31, 2004, from the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, DC

The focus of the work of the ERU and all the American Red Cross team members will be to distribute emergency aid supplies in a safe and dignified manner to those who need it most. The group of four will leave from Washington, DC, for Sri Lanka and will bring one ton (2,000 lbs) of supplies with them to make it through a minimum of one month of operation. The ERU team leaving this afternoon includes: Matthew Parry from Springfield, Virginia, Ron Matthews from Ames, Iowa, Kathryn Courville from Longview, Texas, and Stacy Ragan from Washington, DC

To make a donation: www.redcross.org or 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

WHAT YOU’LL GET: FOOTAGE of relief workers loading logistical supplies onto trucks at the Red Cross headquarters in Washington, DC, for transport to Sri Lanka. Supplies include satellite phones, food and water purification kits. SOUNDBITES from American Red Cross President and CEO, Marsha Evans; volunteers Ron Matthews and Kathryn Courville

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