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News
Department/Editor
I have a very
serious concern about all of the fundraising for the Alberta Flood Relief. No,
I am not against helping the unfortunate victims, but I am against feeding
greed.
For whatever reason
everyone wanting to donate to the Flood Relief Effort has been directed to the
Red Cross, and therein lies my concern. A number of years ago we lost a trailer
in the Pine Lake tornado. Many people we know made donations to the Red Cross
Pine Lake project at that time thinking it would directly help the Pine Lake victims. We, as well as the
majority of people received zero help from the Red Cross. When we inquired, we
were told that the Red Cross only meets emergency needs. They may supply
shelter, food and clothing on an emergency needs basis. All of the people
involved had homes elsewhere, and apart from some emergency shelter for that
night didn't qualify for assistance. Most of the funds collected in the name of
Pine Lake Relief went into the Red Cross general fund.
We tried to do some
research after that, but the Red Cross is very guarded, and selective in their
speech. Unless the Red Cross have changed their policies, I suspect that the
Alberta Flood Relief fund is merely another fundraising opportunity to channel
more money into their general fund. The Stampede made a very generous donation,
and plans are in the works to hold concerts where the proceeds go to the Flood
Relief. Before any additional donation money is given to the Red Cross, a
written commitment needs to be obtained guaranteeing that all of the proceeds
will be distributed among the flood victims, and not on an emergency only basis
as the emergency has passed, and people need funding help to rebuild their
lives. They also need to publish a financial statement for the Alberta Relief
Fund, showing how much was donated and collected by the Red Cross for this
project, and detailed disbursements of the funds.
There are many
people in Alberta who have lost homes, businesses, cars and jobs. Alberta has a
reputation for being generous and caring for their neighbors and friends, and I
suspect that most, if not all expect that the money will go to helping the victims
rebuild. We could probably never raise enough to restore everyone to their
pre-flood condition, but at least it can help. If the Red Cross can't or wont
give the guarantees, and use the funds in a way we expect, then a trust fund
should be created and administered in a transparent way.
I am not waging a
campaign against the Red Cross, I simply want to ensure the real victims get
genuine and practical support. I can't in all conscience give money that won't
do what is represented. I will help, as I can, the unfortunate ones who have
lost considerable with little or no protection through insurance.
Dennis Cross
