SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The same anonymous donor who gave $1 million to the American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties for Hurricane Harvey relief will match donations for Hurricane Irma relief up to $1 million.
“Red Cross resources are under strain in so many places right now that I wanted to do what I could to bring additional help to those in need in Florida,” said the anonymous donor in an email to local Red Cross Chief Development Officer Wendy McKinney.
“We were so grateful to have the initial million dollar match for the Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts and my heart is bursting with gratitude for this new donation to help the millions of people who were affected by Hurricane Irma,” said Charlene Zettel, interim Regional CEO, American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties. “A matching donation is an incredible motivator to be able to double our impact and we are so thankful for all of our local donors who will step forward to help us reach the million dollar match!”
Red Cross workers have provided food, shelter, relief supplies, health services and emotional support in both hurricane zones. More than 800 people remain in Irma emergency shelters and the Red Cross is there, making sure people get the help they need as they plan their next steps. Additionally, Red Cross vehicles are fanning out in affected neighborhoods, delivering meals and relief supplies to people cleaning up their homes. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, more than 600 people remain in seven evacuation shelters and officials estimate that emergency shelters and food support will be needed by a large portion of the population for weeks.
Any San Diegans who want to be part of the $1 million matching donation can visit redcross.org, call the local San Diego office donation line at 858-309-1278 or text the word IRMA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
