(TORONTO, September 22, 2004) -A Department of National Defence flight carrying up to 14 tons of reliefgoods left today for Haiti, a country devastated by Tropical Storm Jeanne.The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) covered the cost ofthe goods in the shipment- mainly heavy plastic sheeting and blankets.

In recent days, Tropical Storm Jeanneshattered Gonaives, Haiti's third largest city on its northern coast.More than 600 people are dead and not a single house in the city of 250,000people escaped damage.

"We appreciate the quick response ofour Canadian Government partners in coming to the aid of flood strickenHaiti," says Charlie Musoka, Emergencies Officer, Canadian Red Cross."The relief goods will be handed over to the Haitian Red Cross and InternationalRed Cross who are working furiously to provide urgent help to the mostvulnerable people impacted in Gonaives." Mr. Musoka will be travellingon the plane to Haiti. Once in Haiti, he will ensure that the relief goodsarrive at their final destination of Gonaives and assess how the CanadianRed Cross can provide further support in the country.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas,has experienced a dreadful year-with a conflict last February and heavyflooding in May. Assistance will be needed for many months to come.

Canadians may help by making a financialdonation at the following banks:

BMO Financial Group
Scotiabank
TD Canada Trust
National Bank of Canada
CIBC
RBC Royal Bank
Canadian Western Bank
Laurentian Bank of Canada
HSBC Bank Canada

They may also donate online, call1-800-418-1111 or contact their local Canadian Red Cross office. The 24-hourtoll free line accepts Visa and MasterCard. Cheques should be made payableto the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "2004 Hurricane Relief" and mailedto Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300,Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2P2. For information on how Red Cross manages donations,please visit the "How We Care For Your Donations" section atwww.redcross.ca.Donations of goods are not accepted.

For more information or to arrange interviewswith a Canadian spokesperson in Haiti, please call:

Michel Léveillé
Canadian Red Cross, Quebec Zone
Tel: (514) 362-2929 x.2914
Cell: (514) 703-3897