ASTRAL MEDIA RADIOTHON RAISES OVER $ 800 000 FOR HAITI

Listeners of Astral Media's 82 radio stations in 45 cities across the country demonstrated extraordinary generosity yesterday by raising over $800 000 for the Canadian Red Cross in Haiti. Along with the Government of Canada's commitment to match the contributions of individual Canadians to charitable organizations in response to the earthquake in Haiti, the total amount raised surpasses $1.5 million.

"We are moved by the solidarity listeners from all regions of the country have shown for the emergency efforts of Red Cross volunteers in Haiti and we thank them," said Jacques Parisien, President of Astral Media Radio and Astral Media Outdoor.

‘'The compassion and generosity of the Canadian public, government and businesses such as Astral Media in response to the Haiti earthquake has been immediate and overwhelming,'' said Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. ‘'With three million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in Haiti, we encourage more Canadians to join our donors in providing essential cash assistance to rapidly deliver aid, restore hope and invest in rebuilding Haiti's future.''

All of Astral Media's business units and 2,800 employees from across the country were called on to promote this event and ensure its success.

The Canadian Red Cross continues to accept donations by phone and online:

National toll-free line: 1-800-869-5158

Secure website: http://www.croixrouge.ca/haiti

Jacques Parisien, President of Astral Media Radio and Astral Media Outdoor, spoke with John Moore this morning and thanked Astral listeners coast-to-coast.