January 20, 2005 -

Ottawa, Canada -- The National Arts Centre (NAC) announced today that it is providing the Canadian Red Cross with more than $43,096.50 towards Asian disaster relief. This is in addition to a $6,398 donation from musicians of the NAC Orchestra.

These funds were raised by $2.00 donations from every ticket sold for NAC performances during the week January 12-19. Volunteers also collected cash donations from patrons following performances during the week. The NAC also donated 10% from all intermission bar sales during that week to the relief effort.

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 181 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

Created in 1969, Canada’s National Arts Centre has become the country’s pre-eminent showcase for the performing arts. The NAC is committed to being a leader and innovator in each of the performing arts fields in which it works – Music, English theatre, French theatre, Dance and Community Programming – and is North America’s only multidisciplinary, bilingual performing arts centre.

For more information:
Nadine Lunt
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000  ext. 560

Sue Cornette
Canadian Red Cross
613-560-7220 ext. 223