The Canadian Red Cross is asking for funding to help flood victims in Pakistan.
It is estimated that six million people are in need of immediate assistance, including food, medicine, nutrition and clean drinking water, with a high epidemic risk.
Pregnant women, children and the elderly are most vulnerable.
Jan Brunschot, the Chatham branch’s community service co-ordinator for disaster management, said that some local donations have been coming in.
“We’re having trouble really pinpointing the extent of the damage, because we can’t get to some of the people,” she said on Friday.
On Monday, the Red Cross deployed a new field clinic. These clinics provide immediate curative, preventive and community health care.
Those wishing to donate may give online, call 1-800- 418-1111, or contact the local Canadian Red Cross office at 519-352-2510.
Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Pakistan Floods 2010″ and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.
Donate $5 by texting REDCROSS to 30333. A onetime donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider.