RED CROSS - Will review September 11 Fund

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Current News - Homefront Preparations : One Thread

Red Cross will review Sept. 11 fund

Washington Post Nov. 09, 2001

WASHINGTON - The American Red Cross on Thursday promised a full review of its half-billion-dollar Liberty Fund created for victims of Sept. 11 terrorism.

The decision comes amid escalating criticism that nearly half of the money collected by the Red Cross thus far might not go to victims of the attacks, as the agency initially vowed.

Instead, it set aside $300 million for victims and their families and said it would use the rest for purposes such as building up the nation's blood supply and preparing for future acts of terrorism.

On Thursday, officials said that decision would be part of its review.

Victims have complained of red tape and meager financial assistance from aid groups. Congress has waded in, with some calling for federal oversight, and community groups have charged that relief organizations are ignoring the needs of laid-off hotel workers and others affected by the economic downturn.

Thursday, Red Cross officials sought to quiet the controversy. "We're not discounting any of the criticism," said William Blaul, the organization's senior vice president of communications and marketing. "These are honest questions, and we are dealing with them."

Blaul said the Red Cross will initiate a "top-to-bottom" review of the Liberty Fund, including whether to reverse its controversial decision to hold back money for future use. The charity also is considering whether to extend its assistance to some 100,000 people indirectly affected by the disaster, such as restaurant employees, cab drivers, hotel maids and airline attendants.

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2001


Moderation questions? read the FAQ