Two community initiatives are contributing to flood relief in Pakistan.

A fundraiser was held at the Calvary Baptist Church on August 26 for victims of the flood that has left 20 million people homeless. The event featured a potluck dinner and information about the flood.

A total of $2,670 was raised during the evening with a $1,000 donation coming from the Weyburn Rotary Club. All funds raised went to the Canadian Food Grains Bank.

There is a new option for donors who wish to contribute to relief operations in Pakistan.  Effective immediately, residents of Saskatchewan can donate to the Red Cross “Pakistan Floods 2010” fund at all Saskatchewan Credit Union branches until September 17. Donations will be used to meet immediate priorities, which continue to be the provision of food, clean drinking water, tents and other shelter and non-food items, and medical assistance.

Red Cross was able to respond rapidly from within the affected communities through working closely with the Pakistan Red Crescent, and is actively supporting relief efforts underway. The Canadian Red Cross has contributed $2.5 million to the International Red Cross appeal. This includes an international delegate to lead the Field Assessment team and 900 much needed tents. Red Cross has also deployed several mobile health units to affected communities.

Immediate emergency assistance will be needed for at least the next six months, and affected communities will require substantial longer-term assistance to support their recovery in the months and years ahead.

Donations can be made at all Saskatchewan Credit Union locations from September 1 to 17, online at www.redcross.ca or by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111. Cheques should be earmarked “Pakistan Floods 2010.”