Thank you, Richard.
I'll just close with a few remarks now on partnership and our partnership with the Canadian government.
On a daily basis, the Red Cross is helping vulnerable communities around the world, thanks in large part to the support we enjoy from the federal government. In response to the earthquake in Haiti, Canadian government action was immediate, and the support has been steadfast. A shining example of this is the new field hospital that was created through a partnership with CIDA and the Canadian Red Cross. This field hospital was deployed for the first time on December 3 to Carrefour in Haiti, where we've been treating the cholera outbreak. More than 1,300 people have now been treated since that hospital was established.
With this mobile hospital, which is a first for the International Red Cross in this hemisphere, we can now be on the ground and working in an emergency situation a day after we've been called in. It ensures a rapid and comprehensive response to even complex medical situations. This would not be possible without government support.
As with any partnership, the Canadian Red Cross is working closely with the government to strengthen our bond. Together we have made some important investments in building real capacity to respond to disasters in this region and around the globe. In addition to the mobile hospital, we have relief supplies ready to ship to respond to urgent needs. We have trained Red Cross staff and volunteers who are well prepared to face the most complex of disaster situations.
This stand-by capacity takes everyday investment, and we would encourage the Government of Canada to continue and to in fact increase efforts in this regard. Our unique capacities and experiences around the globe make us a valuable partner of the Government of Canada in policy development in the areas of international humanitarian assistance, relief, reconstruction, and capacity development.
I would also like to note that the Red Cross is not only a disaster preparedness and response organization. We make big contributions to addressing a range of other humanitarian needs. But with regard to today's subject, I think you will have appreciated from our remarks here today that we have a wide base of knowledge and expertise in the matter.
We now look forward to responding to any questions you may have.
Thank you very much.