Canadian relief agencies start to help Katrina victims

[justinsb]

Last Updated Wed, 31 Aug 2005 16:23:10 EDT
CBC News

Canadian relief agencies have moved to help the U.S. states hit by Hurricane Katrina.

Winnipeg-based Mennonite Disaster Service said Wednesday it is gathering donations to help send hundreds of volunteers to rebuild homes.

Lois Nickel of the Mennonite group said volunteers from nearby states could be in Alabama by the weekend, helping to clear roads of fallen trees. She said a U.S. team is heading to Gulfport, Mississippi, where they hope to establish a base camp for volunteers next to the city's Mennonite church.

Nickel said a call for hundreds of Canadian volunteers may not happen for several weeks, depending on how long it takes to set up the church camp.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/08/31/Canadian_relief_Katrina20050831.html

[ecoflame]

1. I noticed on the CBC site Monday evening

there was page listing probably 12 or so agencies from the Red Cross to Catholic Charities.

[Spazito]

2. Canadian leaders, relief agencies stand by to help U.S. after Katrina

snip

Prime Minister Paul Martin was set to speak by phone Thursday with U.S. President George W. Bush about what Canada can do to help the reconstruction effort.

B.C.'s provincial Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team was leaving for Lafaeyette, La. on Wednesday.

The state's goveror's office had requested help from the team, Solicitor General John Les said.

"We're the first non-U.S.-based team to be requested," Les said. "They're going to be helping as many people as they can."

snip

(This is a very good article with lots of detail on the various offers, etc.)