MONTREAL – The city’s Sun Youth Organization Thursday joined the many other voices emphatically urging that all financial aid to help with Haiti earthquake relief be channelled through the Red Cross.

All wishing to contribute are being redirected – to the Canadian Red Cross, Quebec division at 1-800-418-1111 or www.redcross.ca/helpnow – the Montreal community group said in a press release.

The Red Cross is “a longtime partner of Sun Youth,” the organization noted.

Sun Youth also is appealing to clothing manufacturers, retailers and distributors for donations of new clothes for the 6,000 Canadian nationals expected to arrive at Trudeau airport in the coming weeks.

To donate, please contact Stéphanie Rocheleau at 514-842-6822

Photos of the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti can be accessed through the agency's Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/canadian_redcross/

Leaders of the Montreal region’s large Haitian community had issued the same strong suggestion Wednesday, as the devastating extent of the carnage and suffering was becoming increasingly apparent.

“The Red Cross already has on-site volunteers and its Quebec staff is able to receive donations from the public to assist people in Haiti,” the Sun Youth statement said.

“As for other organizations, prudence is the word. It is important to give to renowned organizations and to make sure that they will use whatever they collect to immediately assist the Haitian population.

“Unfortunately,” its statement added, “some unscrupulous people take advantage of such tragedies to fraud donors wishing to contribute to the relief efforts.”

It said it issued the release “following many phone calls received from donors seeking information” and that Sun Youth “is not collecting funds, food or any other material goods to assist the people of Haiti hit Tuesday by a powerful earthquake.”

Some of the many others:

To donate by text messaging:

The Salvation Army in Canada: Text “HAITI” to 45678 ($5), or text “ASTRAL” to 45678 ($10)

lan Canada: Text “HAITI” to 30333 ($5)

World Vision Canada: Text “WORLD” (in French, “MONDE”) to 45678 ($5)

Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative: Text “HAITI” to 20222 ($5), or text “QUAKE” to 20222 ($5)

UNICEF CANADA: Text “GIVE” (in French, “DON”) to 45678 ($5)

The Canadian Red Cross Society: Text “REDCROSS” to 30333 ($5)

World Vision, WorldVision.ca/help and via 1-800-268-5528.

The Combined Jewish Appeal of Montreal has established a fund for humanitarian relief aid: www.federationcja.org/haiti or call 514-345-2600.

The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal said it would channel donations by telephone, via 1-800-464-9154, and by www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca – whose members include CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada.

The Salvation Army, www.salvationarmy.ca, 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)

The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ont.

The Humanitarian Coalition (CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Quebec, Save the Children), www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca, PO Box 65035, Ottawa, ON, K2G 5Y3

Medecins Sans Frontieres, www.msf.ca, Phone: 1-800-982-7903 or 416-964-0619, MSF Canada, 402 — 720 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 2T9, Fax: 416-963-8707

Plan Canada, www.plancanada.ca

Samaritan's Purse, www.samaritanspurse.ca

B'nai Brith Canada, Phone: 1-800-274-2310

Oxfam Quebec, http://bit.ly/8FvQMn

Centre for International studies and Co-operation (CECI), http://bit.ly/7x8VG8

UNITED SIKHS Humanitarian Relief, http://www.unitedsikhs.org/

United Church of Canada, www.united-church.ca

The Presbyterian Church in Canada, http://www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd

L’Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ), http://www.umq.qc.ca/

The Jewish General Hospital has several relief initiatives, including sending boxes of medical supplies to Haiti. They are also accepting donations. For information, call 514-340-8222, ext. 8251.

Quebec Command of The Royal Canadian Legion: Cheques should be made out to Quebec Provincial Command (Haiti) and sent to their offices at 1000 St. Antoine Street W., No. 410. Montreal, QC, H3C 3R7.

St. John Ambulance is sending volunteer first responders and needs $250,000 for food, water and equipment. Call 1-888-840-5646 or donate online via CanadaHelps.org. Cheques payable to "St. John Ambulance—Project Haiti" sent to St. John Ambulance -- Haïti Mission, 529 Jarry Street East, Suite 401, Montreal (Quebec) H2P 1V4

The Presbyterian Church in Canada is collecting money for the Action by Churches Together Alliance. To donate, visit www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd, or visit a local church.

Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, which supports healthcare and community development at Hopital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles, Haiti www.canadianhashaiti.ca

FUNDRAISERS

Astral Media's 92 Canadian radio stations, including Virgin Radio, CJAD, CHOM and Rock Détente, have set up a toll-free number to support Red Cross efforts in Haiti. The number is : 1-800-418-1111.

Action Against Hunger - Canada, which its interventions in Haiti are designed to cover humanitarian needs for at least the next several months, with complementary interventions planned to deliver crucial services in nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene and longer-term food security, is accepting donations through their website at http://www.actioncontrelafaim.ca/

We love Haiti; A barbershop special: Feb. 13, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Buffet Christina, 6566 Jarry St. E., St. Léonard. Hair-cuts for men or women who with short hair: $20 each. For more information, listen to CPAM, 1610 on the AM dial.

Haiti's Rebirth; How will you show your love this Valentine's Day? Saturday, Feb. 13, from 8:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. With the assistance of Avenue Art Gallery, three university students are hosting a special event to aid victims of Haiti’s devastating earthquake through World Vision and Oxfam. The fundraiser will offer drinks, appetizers and special treats, such as a live DJ, art auctions, dancing and more at 10 King St., Old Montreal (Multi Media City) corner de la Commune. For more information, contact Tia Maric, Andrea Reyes or Peter Ferarrolis at 514-702-0993, 514-886-6519 or 514-578-7591. Email: tia_maric@hotmail.com, andrea.reyesayllon@mail.mcgill.ca or pferarrolis@hotmail.com

L'Union fait la force; Montreal capoeiristas capoeirando pro Haiti: Feb. 21, 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Centre Père Sablon, 4265 Papineau Ave. $10 donations at the door; $20 also buys a T-shirt made for the event. More info at http://tiny.cc/oEnM2