The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced today that Canada has matched nearly $30 million in private donations to assist victims of the earthquake that struck Sichuan, China in May, and ove er $11.6 million for people affected by Cyclone Nargis in Burma. These matching funds will be channeled to humanitarian organizations to directly help the people in greatest need.
"Thousa nds of Canadians have donated generously to help relieve the suffering of those affected by the earthquake in Sichuan Province, China, and by the cyclone that devastated Burma, " said Minister Oda. "The Government of Canada is proud to match, dollar for dollar, the donations of these Canadians so that the men, women and children affected by these terrible tragedies can receive the life-saving food, water, shelter and medical attention that they need. Canada's assistance is delivering real results on the ground, where they are needed most."
The Sichuan earthquake in May killed nearly 70,000 people, while 18,000 are still missing. Canadians responded by donating nearly $30 million to several n on-profit organizations, including Chinese-Canadian organizations.
"We extend a heartfelt thanks to the Canadian Government for matching individual donations for from Canadians who responded generously to the numerous fundraising events organized by local committees and charities across Canada," stated Victor Wong, Executive Director of the Chinese Canadian National Council.
"When the earthquake struck Sichuan," said Dr. Longhuan Ki m, the co-Chairman of the National Congress of Chinese Canadians, "the response by Chinese Canadians was almost overwhelming. We quickly set in place a special fund, donations poured in, and this allowed us to get assistance to the victims quickly. The m atching fund added an additional incentive for people to donate."
Through the Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is contributing to 10 proje cts that deliver timely and effective humanitarian assistance in China.
"We would like to thank the Government of Canada for their generous contribution to the Red Cross earthquake response in China," said Conrad Sau vé, Secretary General of the Canadian Red Cross. "Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, the Red Cross has been able to reach over one million survivors with urgently needed relief supplies."
The Burma cyclone in May left nearly 140,000 dead or missing. The humanitarian response by Canadians was immediate, and several organizations raised funds to help the people of Burma.
"We are very pleased with Canada's quick response to t he cyclone victims in Burma," said Tin Maung Htoo, Executive Director of Canadian Friends of Burma.
CIDA has ensured that all humanitarian assistance will reach only the people of Burma, and not the Government of Bur ma. Through the Burma Cyclone Relief Fund, CIDA is contributing to 10 projects to help those recovering from Cyclone Nargis.
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In formation: Joanna Bailey
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail:
media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
