Ontario Fulfils Pledge To Victims Of Earthquake In South Asia

    TORONTO, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - 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."