More than $9,000 was collected at liquor stores across the province in aid for Japan, once again highlighting the well-known generosity of Islanders, says Minister Robert Vessey.
“Prince Edward Island has developed a special relationship with Japan through our tourism industry. I want to thank all Islanders for the generosity they have shown our Japanese friends,” said the minister, who is responsible for the Prince Edward Island Liquor Control Commission.
A total of $9,087.75 in donations to the Canadian Red Cross for the Japan relief fund was collected at liquor outlets across Prince Edward Island. Collection boxes were set up following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami which devastated parts of Japan.
“Since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, about 600 Red Cross teams have been providing emergency shelter, medical and psycho-social care, and relief supplies to up to 280,000 displaced survivors,” said Laura Johnson-Montigny, provincial director of the Canadian Red Cross in Prince Edward Island.
Of the more than $26 million raised by the Canadian Red Cross throughout the country, about half is being used for emergency relief operations, some is being used to supply stoves, rice cookers and other household basics for 70,000 temporary homes being built for evacuees, and the Canadian Red Cross is working with its Japanese and international colleagues on longer-term relief and recovery projects with remaining funds.
“The amount collected is another example of how Islanders respond selflessly and without hesitation to help those in need, not only here at home but around the world,” said Minister Vessey.