$865,587 raised during Red Cross Phonathon for tsunami relief

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January 12, 2005

Hundreds of McMaster and Hamilton Health Sciences volunteers helped raise $865,587 yesterday during the Red Cross Phonathon, which took place at the Downtown Centre.

“A huge thank you to all of you who helped out with yesterday's very successful CHTV tsunami relief drive,” says Roger Trull, vice-president of advancement at McMaster. “To have raised more than $870,000 in one day with no pledges counted is absolutely incredible. It could not have happened without you and this will make a real difference in the Red Cross efforts to help the victims of this terrible tragedy.”

Jan. 11 was the last day for donors to qualify for the Canadian federal government matching program. All money raised will assist The Canadian Red Cross in providing desperately needed relief items such as clean drinking water, shelter and medicine to the victims of the devastating tsunami disaster. Funds will also be allocated toward long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

McMaster donated the use of its phone centre located in the Downtown Centre for the Red Cross Phonathon in support of the Tsunami relief efforts. It was broadcast live on Jan. 11 on CHTV from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Donations are still accepted online at www.redcross.ca/chtv.

The drive combined the efforts of the Red Cross, CH, McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences, both local school boards, Hamilton police and dozens of other organizations and businesses.

Tonight (Jan. 12), the Mac Tamil Students Association (MacTSA) and McMaster Sri Lankan Association (MSLA), will host a Tsunami candlelight vigil. The vigil begins at 6 p.m. in the McMaster University Student Centre marketplace (by the fireplace).

Everyone is invited to the vigil which will pay homage to the more than 150,000 people who perished in the Dec. 26 tragedy.

Also tonight, a benefit night will be held at Quarters, the MSU bar and restaurant. All proceeds from the cover charge and prize draws will support the efforts. Doors open at 9 p.m. and there will be a $4 cover charge.