July 26, 1996 -- The Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC) urges all Canadians to become involved in the relief for flood victims in the Saguenay Lac St-Jean region.

CEC President Emmanuel Dick today issued a call to action to the national umbrella organizations of thirty-nine ethnocultural communities in Canada. The CEC members and their constituencies were urged to come to the aid of their follow citizens.

There are a number of known initiatives already being undertaken by members of the CEC. Those known at this time are by the Jewish, Armenian and Hellenic Canadian communities.

The CEC recognizes that this is one of the most serious natural disasters to affect Canadians and it is only natural that all Canadians come to the aid of the people suffering through this ordeal.

"Security must be restored to our fellow citizens," stated Mr. Dick. "People from across the country can raise funds and donate clothing, non-perishable food and household items. This can be done through the Red Cross, the various groups and corporations that are helping out or by individual communities doing their own things. Groups can pass the hat at a community picnic, send cash or buy goods directly for families in need. The possibilities are endless." -30-

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