Backgrounder - Famine Relief Fund

According to United Nations estimates, over 20 million people will face starvation over the next six months in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. These people desperately need food; water and sanitation assistance; health care support, including treatment for acute malnutrition; protection of vulnerable livelihoods; and education.

To further engage Canadians in response to the crises, the Government of Canada has launched the Famine Relief Fund. For every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities between March 17 and June 30, 2017, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Famine Relief Fund.

Donating and fundraising criteria are as follows.

Donations must be made between March 17 and June 30, 2017, to ensure Canada’s contribution to the fund can be mobilized quickly to respond to increasing needs in the region.

For every eligible dollar raised, the Government of Canada will set aside a dollar for the Famine Relief Fund. The government will use the fund to support experienced Canadian and international humanitarian organizations to meet needs due to severe droughts and ongoing conflicts.

For full details, please visit the Famine Relief Fund webpage.