Canadians have shown time and again how generous they can be in times of need. This willingness to help when a crisis strikes is why the Government of Canada announced that it would match donations made by individuals to help the Lebanese people following the devastating explosion in Beirut on August 4.

“Through the Lebanon Matching Fund, Canada is making a meaningful contribution to the humanitarian effort on the ground in Beirut, which will help ensure critical aid goes to those who need it most. I commend the individual Canadians who donated so generously to support the Lebanese people in a time of great crisis.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“As Canadians, we consistently act with compassion and kindness when disaster strikes around the world. The incredible response and support for the people of Beirut is yet another prime example of this. Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, the Humanitarian Coalition will be able to ensure that people on the ground get the help they need. We are all interconnected; what happens over there affects us here too and helping others is the right thing to do.” 

- Karina Gould, Minister of International Development

• On August 8, 2020, the Government of Canada launched the Lebanon Matching Fund, announcing that it would match up to $2 million in donations. This amount was quickly surpassed, and a new matching amount of $8 million was established.

• Canada’s Humanitarian Coalition brings together leading humanitarian organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help during international humanitarian disasters.

• The Humanitarian Coalition members are Action Against Hunger, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, CARE Canada, Doctors of the World, Humanity & Inclusion, Islamic Relief Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam Québec, Plan International Canada, Save the Children Canada and World Vision Canada. All are recognized and trusted international partners.

• Members of the Humanitarian Coalition actively participate in established UN-led humanitarian coordination processes to ensure that aid is disbursed effectively.

Associated links

• Canada’s humanitarian response in Beirut
• Prime Minister announces more assistance for Lebanon
• Canada launches matching fund to respond to Beirut explosion
• Canada’s response to the crisis in Lebanon
• Canada’s Middle East engagement strategy
• Humanitarian Coalition
• Minister Champagne concludes visit to Switzerland and Italy on his way to Lebanon

Syrine Khoury
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Syrine.Khoury@international.gc.ca

Guillaume Dumas
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Guillaume.Dumas@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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