Relief for hurricane victims.

Ottawa--The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace has launched a national campaign and established an emergency fund to help the countries most affected by hurricane Mitch. This hurricane swept through Central America in early November, leaving in its wake an estimated 10,000 people dead and countless others homeless and prey to infectious diseases, starvation and despair. Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte of Montreal, President of the CCCB, is the honorary president of the emergency appeal.

In the first 24 hours, D & P was in a position to give close to $300,000 to the victims of hurricane Mitch. That sum includes $50,000 from Cardinal Ambrozic and Toronto's Share Life Campaign; $25,000 from Cardinal Turcotte and the Montreal Archdiocese; $150,000 from CCODP's existing emergency funds; and donations from others who have responded to the appeal.

Donations to Development and Peace for relief for the hurricane victims can be sent to: 10 St. Mary Street, Suite 410, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1P9. Phone: [phone]; fax: [phone], toll free 1-800-494-1401, e-mail: [e-mail].