Rotary quick to respond in Philippine crisis

Cash accumulated and on the way for Philippine typhoon relief

Rotary Past President Lorraine Hartson (second from left) presents a cheque for $1,500 to Christine MacPherson (left).  Also on hand were Thelma Ehman, Francis van der Pol, and Gerry Ehman – volunteers with the Red Cross Disaster Response Team and HELP.

Rotary Past President Lorraine Hartson (second from left) presents a cheque for $1,500 to Christine MacPherson (left). Also on hand were Thelma Ehman, Francis van der Pol, and Gerry Ehman – volunteers with the Red Cross Disaster Response Team and HELP.

The Castlegar Rotary Club has donated $1,500 to the Red Cross to help with their work in the wake of the Philippine typhoon. With the Federal Government matching each donation, $3,000 will be made available for the relief effort.

Red Cross spokesperson, Christine MacPherson, reported to the Rotary Club that a Canadian Red Cross Basic Health Care Emergency Response Unit (ERU) has already been deployed.  This hospital can cover the health needs of a population of over 100,000 people, and treat patients by admitting them in the clinic or through out-patient services.  The hospital can treat up to 300 people per day as out-patients and can provide immunization for 1,000 children if needed.  This unit will also have additional surgical capacity of up to 70 in-patient beds.  The hospital will be supported by 25 delegates from both the Norwegian Red Cross and Hong Kong Red Cross of which 12 are Canadian. Additional supplies and personnel are on stand-by ready to be deployed if needed.

 

Wayne Groutage

Castlegar News