News Release
BT New Year’s Eve Celebration Provides Opportunity
to Aid Victims of Tsunami Disaster in Southeast Asia
(Thursday, December 30, 2004) - Mayor Peter Kelly is inviting those attending the annual BT New Year’s celebration at Grand Parade on Friday, December 31st, to take this opportunity to make a monetary donation to aid the victims of Sunday’s Tsunami in Southeast Asia.
Over the past few days, the Mayor has had numerous conversations with concerned HRM residents who wish to lend their support to the relief efforts. The New Year’s Eve Show, presented by ATV/ASN and the Halifax Regional Municipality, attracts more than 15,000 people annually to Grand Parade and a large viewing audience on ATV and ASN across the Maritimes.
“The residents of HRM have expressed a strong desire to help the victims of this horrendous disaster and our New Year’s event provides an excellent opportunity to bring people together in one place where they can make their donation as they gather to bring in the New Year, “ said Mayor Peter Kelly.
Mayor Kelly has met with the producers of the event at ATV/ASN and HRM Special Events staff to organize an opportunity for those attending to make a donation to support the relief efforts. The Red Cross has agreed to set up a donation booth on the steps of St. Paul’s Church, located on the south side of the Grand Parade, to receive donations during the event.
“We couldn’t agree more that this is the perfect opportunity for our viewers and the community to provide assistance to those in Southeast Asia that have been so devastated by this tragedy,” said Mike Elgie, Vice President and General Manager of ATV/CTV. “As we celebrate and ring in the New Year, we strongly encourage everyone to be as generous as they can.”
The BT New Year’s Eve Show will take place at Grand Parade on Friday, December 31st, from 10:00 p.m. until 12:10 a.m., and the Red Cross will be on site to accept donations for the duration of the event.
For those who are unable to attend, a donation to help the Tsunami victims can be made at any chartered bank. For more information on relief efforts in Southeast Asia or how you can make a donation, call the Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or visit their website at www.redcross.ca.
- 30 -
Contact:
Deborah Story
Corporate Communications Office
(902)490-6787
