Mississauga, ON —World Vision is providing emergency goods and financial support for partner agencies responding to Hurricane Katrina. Truckloads of emergency supplies are being shipped from World Vision warehouses around the U.S. as critical shortages of food, water and medical supplies now face thousands of people living in shelters and stranded along the Gulf Coast.

"We are supporting those providing a face-to-face response to hurricane victims by working through our colleagues at World Vision U.S.," said Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada. "We are asking Canadians to partner with World Vision to help the thousands of victims struggling with this terrible disaster."

Emergency supplies being shipped include water containers, clothing, cooking equipment, personal hygiene supplies, storage bags, as well as toys and games for children. Goods will be distributed through World Vision's network of partners in the disaster-stricken region. These include charities, hospitals, faith-based and community organizations.

The organization will also provide medical donations to volunteer medical teams who are being mobilized in the region as well as emergency supplies to the displaced in Dallas.

Canadians can donate to the World Vision response by calling 1 (800) 268-5528 or by clicking here .

World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian relief and development organization working in more than 90 countries around the world, providing help to more than 85 million people each year.