Haiti emergency measures: Special collection in parishes throughout Canada -
$250,000 collected so far by Development and Peace

MONTREAL, Jan. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - Catholics all over Canada will be invited by their parishes to participate in an emergency appeal for the victims of the tragic earthquake that has terribly afflicted the people of Haiti. Several parishes have already indicated that a special collection will be held as soon as next Sunday.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is encouraging all parishes to join in this collective effort to help the Haitian people though this emergency and begin the reconstruction of their country. All donations will be sent to Haiti through DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE.

"We have witnessed, over the past few days, an outpouring of support from our faithful members, donors and friends in our network within the Catholic Church in Canada, encouraging us to fulfill our mission, and in recognition of our partners' work," said Michael Casey, Executive Director of DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE.

As of Friday afternoon at 3 p.m., DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE had raised $250,000 in less than three days from the population of Canada. The Federal Government's announcement that it will match donations has the potential to greatly bolster funds raised by the organization.

Donations to DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE for the Haiti crisis can be made by phone [phone]), on our website (www.devp.org) or by sending a cheque made out to Development and Peace (please indicate Haiti Emergency) to the following address:

    
    Development and Peace
    1425 René-Lévesque Blvd. W, 3rd Floor
    Montreal QC H3G 1T7
    

For further information: or interviews contact: Kelly Di Domenico, Communications Officer, [phone] ext. 365, [email protected]