Nova Scotia Donating $100,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief

The government of Nova Scotia is donating $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"All Nova Scotians have been shocked and moved by the terrible destruction and suffering on the Gulf Coast of the United States," Premier John Hamm said today, Sept. 2.

"The victims have been in our thoughts and prayers all week. We felt Nova Scotians had to step up with this small gesture to help our friends and neighbours in their time of need."

The premier has already written to the governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, offering Nova Scotia's assistance.

Staff at the province's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) consulted with officials at American relief agencies and at Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, who said financial help is what is needed most urgently.

Premier Hamm says EMO remains ready to help in any way it can in the months ahead.

Nova Scotians who would like to make donations to the relief effort should contact the Canadian Red Cross via the website at www.redcross.ca or by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111.