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Minneapolis, Red Cross work together to aid Chile and 'sister city' Santiago

04 March 2010

Chile sister city Minneapolis Santiago Red Cross

Aid will benefit earthquake relief efforts throughout Chile, Minneapolis has had ‘sister city’ relationship with Santiago for nearly 50 years

March 4, 2010 (MINNEAPOLIS) Following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake and numerous aftershocks that struck Chile on Saturday, Feb. 27, the City of Minneapolis and the American Red Cross Twin Cities Area Chapter today announced how folks can donate to the International Response Fund – Chile Earthquake, in recognition of Minneapolis’ “sister city” relationship with Santiago, Chile.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people of Chile and those in our sister city as they all deal with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake,” said Mayor R.T. Rybak. “Minneapolis has had a historic friendship with Santiago for almost 50 years and as one of our sister cities, we’re reaching out and encouraging others to help a country in need.”

Donations to the American Red Cross International Response Fund – Chile Earthquake, will aid relief efforts throughout the country and can be made in honor of Santiago, Chile, one of Minneapolis’ “sister cities” since 1961. To contribute, folks should call the Twin Cities Red Cross at 612-460-3700 or visit www.redcrosstc.org.

“We are grateful to the City of Minneapolis for helping us increase awareness of how people can contribute to the relief efforts in Chile,” said Phil Hansen, CEO of the American Red Cross Twin Cities Area Chapter. “It’s because of the generosity of the people of Minneapolis and those throughout the Twin Cities area that we are able to provide financial assistance to those in need.”

Since the earthquake struck Chile, the American Red Cross has responded with a pledge of $250,000 from its International Response Fund to aid relief operations.

The City of Minneapolis established its first “sister city” relationship with Santiago, Chile, in 1961, under Mayor P. Kenneth Peterson. The purpose of “sister city” relationships is to promote greater good will and understanding through cultural, educational and other mutually beneficial exchanges. These relationships are supported by citizen groups here in Minneapolis whose members organize the exchanges and other activities.

The City of Minneapolis works through Meet Minneapolis on behalf of the 10 Sister City relationships worldwide, and is recognized by Sister Cities International, a non-profit citizen diplomacy network.

Contact: Matt Laible, City of Minneapolis Communications Department, 612-673-2786


View this release online at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/newsroom