Enbridge lends hand after Michigan tornado

Enbridge Energy was one of the first to step up to help after a tornado that ripped through the small rural village of Dexter, Mich., damaged more than 100 homes, and displaced at least 200 people.

Superior Region General Manager Mark J. Willoughby presented a $10,000 donation on behalf of Enbridge Energy to Judy Hanne Gonzalez, executive director of the Northland Chapter the American Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts.

“Luckily, nobody was injured,” Gonzalez said. “However, it could be a while before the damage is cleaned up and repaired so people can get on with their lives. We couldn’t be more grateful to Enbridge Energy for its support during this emergency.”

The Red Cross estimates it will spend more than $3 million responding to the spring storms which have affected nearly a dozen states over the past several weeks. As of March 14, the Red Cross had opened 33 shelters with more than 1,000 overnight stays, according to Gonzalez. The relief agency has served more than 92,500 meals and snacks, and distributed bulk goods such as shovels, rakes, gloves and trash bags. She said she expects the relief effort will be ongoing.

Donate today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling (800) 733-2767 or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross at 2524 Maple Grove Road, Duluth, MN 55811 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. For information, call (218) 722-0071.

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