Alberta to match Beirut fund donations to $500k

Every dollar Albertans donate to help victims of the Beirut explosion will be matched by the province, up to a total of $500,000.

The Alberta government pledged a grant in that amount to the Canadian Red Cross earlier this week, joining Ontario, Nova Scotia and the federal government in the relief effort. More than 200 people were killed, including two Canadians, and thousands injured when an explosion blew out of a warehouse at the Lebanese capital’s main port on Aug. 4.

The blast, which is suspected to have been caused by improper

storage of an explosive chemical, destroyed buildings and shattered windows kilometres away.

At least 300,000 residents have been displaced by the disaster.

Donations are required for humanitarian aid, such as shelter, food and water, and will also be used to rebuild hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure.

Municipal Affairs Minister Tracy Allard said in a news release the government hopes the grant will encourage donations.

“Albertans are very generous and know the importance of helping those in need,” she said.

Jenn Mcmanus, Canadian Red Cross vice-president of Alberta & NWT, said in the release the organization has been working “around the clock” in Beirut since the explosion.

“The Canadian Red Cross is very grateful to the Government of Alberta for their generous financial support, which will help the Red Cross continue its critical work on the ground in Lebanon,” she said.

The federal government has committed $5 million in relief, including $2 million in matching funds.

Albertans can make a donation by visiting redcross.ca.