February 8, 2010
Ottawa ?The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that over $113 million in eligible donations has been raised to be matched through the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. The Minister also reminded Canadians that there were only a few days left to see their donation to eligible organizations matched by the Government.
"The outpouring of contributions and fund raising efforts have extended far beyond expectations. Canadians are continuing to demonstrate that they have been deeply moved by impact of the earthquake in Haiti and have contributed generously," said Minister Oda. "There are five days left in the matching period and we are encouraging every Canadian to make an additional effort to support the victims of the earthquake in Haiti."
Minister Oda made the announcement while visiting the Canadian Red Cross headquarters in Ottawa, where she thanked employees and volunteers for their contribution to the response in Haiti.
Minister Oda announced on January 14 th the creation of the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. Through this fund, the Government of Canada will match the contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations in support of humanitarian and recovery efforts in response to the earthquake in Haiti, made over the period of January 12 to February 12, 2010. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will allocate these funds to Canadian and international humanitarian and development organizations.
Canada, through CIDA, has already provided $85 million in urgent humanitarian assistance through UN agencies, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and to Canadian organizations such as CARE, Médecins du Monde, Save the Children, Oxfam Quebec, the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI), and World Vision. CIDA has also supported a field hospital managed by the Canadian and the Norwegian Red Cross and sent to Haiti much-needed supplies such as tents, tarpaulins, basic tools, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, water buckets and jerry cans.
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Information:
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
