(DETROIT) - American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti received another boost this morning, when Detroit Mayor Dave Bing presented the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross with a check for $3,500. They money was donated by the mayor and his executive staff, and he is pledging there will be more to come.

Besides tapping his executive staff, the mayor sent out an email late last week urging all city employees to donate to the Red Cross relief efforts. Mayor Bing gave the first check to Southeastern Michigan Chapter CEO James Laverty this morning at the mayor’s office.

Laverty thanked the mayor, saying “We are extremely grateful for this heartfelt support of our organization’s relief efforts in Haiti. I would also like to thank you for your effort in encouraging others to do the same.”

Last week, the mayor sent an email to city employees urging them to help out. "The devastation in Haiti is one that requires our immediate attention and support,” the mayor told employees. “I encourage those who are able, to support the relief effort through the American Red Cross.

“It is our responsibility and duty as Detroiters and Americans to minimize human suffering, and help those in need.”

In addition to accepting the check, Laverty also gave the mayor an update on current Red Cross relief efforts. “We have a long way to go, and it will require a great deal of support from the public,” he added.

As of Saturday, the American Red Cross has raised more than $87 million for relief efforts. Yet Red Cross officials know they will spend much more than that to help the people of Haiti.

People can donate in support of this relief effort by going to www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. People can also mail their donations to: The American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C., 20013.

About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter

The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide.

To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semtourofduty.org.

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Contact Andrea Tomaszewski

313-494-2740