JELD-WEN Donates $42,000 Towards Slave Lake Relief Efforts

Online, August 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - (WINNIPEG, Manitoba) - JELD-WEN Windows and Doors has donated $42,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to aid in relief efforts in the northern Alberta community of Slave Lake. The area was hit by wind-driven wildfires this past May, causing upwards of $700 million in damage.

The second most expensive insured disaster in Canadian history after the 1998 ice storms in Quebec and Ontario, the Slave Lake tragedy has displaced over 7,000 residents and destroyed over 400 homes. The JELD-WEN donation will assist evacuated families with food, shelter and emergency supplies.

"We're happy to help in any way we can," says Sante Cigana, JELD-WEN Canada Vice-President. "JELD-WEN has been a part of the Slave Lake community for years and our thoughts are with the residents."

Those wishing to support the Canadian Red Cross Alberta relief efforts are asked to contribute by calling 1.800.418.1111 or visiting their website.

"Thanks to generous contributions like JELD-WEN's recent donation, in the two months that have passed since the largest disaster Alberta has ever seen, we have given people hope and mobilized the power of humanity," says Martin Pollard, Canadian Red Cross Alberta Provincial Manager. "(This) donation ensures we can help people rebuild their lives now, and in the coming years. I have seen how donations are changing and improving lives every day. We thank JELD-WEN for their generosity."

The Canadian Red Cross says they have spent more than $357,000 since May 15 to assist the people of Slave Lake and surrounding communities. Families have received a safe place to sleep, food, clothing and medical supplies. At the same time, the Red Cross is working with local governments and community groups to determine some broader community-wide needs which they will also be able to support.

Donations such as JELD-WEN's have helped them establish a permanent recovery centre in Slave Lake to serve the entire region. They will continue to help residents displaced by the northern Alberta wildfires meet their immediate and future needs.