Ottawa Residents’ Emergency Preparedness Knowledge Challenged
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(l-r) - Walmart Employee Jim Carter, Rogers Daytime Host Derick Fage, RC Volunteer Dave Fraser, Ottawa City Councillor Bob Monette |
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Ottawa City Councillor Bob Monette, Rogers Daytime Host Derick Fage, and Walmart Employee Jim Carter took part in a “72-Hour Emergency Preparedness Challenge” at the Walmart store in Orleans. Participants had 25 minutes to gather items that they believed their family would need to support themselves for 72 hours in the event of an emergency in the community. .
“We want to show residents how a little time and effort can make a big difference for your family if an emergency happens in the community,” said Dave Fraser, Red Cross disaster management volunteer.
The participants showed they know how to be prepared by gathering most of the items the Red Cross recommends for an emergency preparedness kit. They even added a few extras, such as generators. In the end, Councillor Bob Monette was declared as the winner, and received a Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit.
The challenge also helped mark Walmart’s annual in-store campaign in support of Canadian Red Cross disaster management. Through its annual in-store campaign, Walmart has contributed more than $2.1 million to the Canadian Red Cross to date – this support helps Red Cross provide comfort, food, shelter and other immediate needs to Canadians affected by disaster.
The Canadian Red Cross recommends that families have the ability to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in the event of a disaster. By being self-sufficient, emergency workers can focus on assisting those who need help the most first.
“It’s everyone’s job to be prepared for a disaster,” said Fraser. “By being prepared not only are you protecting yourself, but you are helping your community in general.”
Walmart Canada operates a growing network of 312 outlets nationwide, serving more than one million Canadians daily. With 80,000 associates, the company is Canada's fourth largest employer. Walmart Canada has one of the of the largest and strongest community involvement programs in Canada. In 2008, the company raised and donated $20 million or $384,000 weekly, to support more than one thousand charities and organizations in need.
The Red Cross counts on public and corporate donations and the commitment of thousands of volunteers to be there when Canadians are affected by disaster.
