September 14, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario―Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, encouraged Canadians to help East Africans suffering from drought and famine. Minister Oda reminded Canadians that only two days remain to make donations eligible for the East Africa Drought Relief Fund. For every dollar individual Canadians donate until September 16th to an eligible registered Canadian charity responding to the drought in East Africa, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Relief Fund.
"Millions of people in East Africa, especially children, continue to need your help due to the ongoing famine," said Minister Oda. "I urge Canadians who have not donated to help the people of East Africa who are suffering and facing death because of this drought, to donate today. I urge those who donated already to consider increasing their help so the Government of Canada can double their donation through the East Africa Drought Relief Fund."
The East African drought is the worst in over 60 years, with more than 13 million people needing humanitarian assistance in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
In July, Minister Oda witnessed the humanitarian crisis first-hand when she visited the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. Minister Oda also met with government officials as well as the humanitarian organizations that are in the field, saving lives and providing the urgently needed food, water and shelter to those whose lives are threatened.
"During my time at Dadaab, I witnessed families who faced severe malnutrition, hunger and loss because of the famine," said Minister Oda. "I saw the faces of those desperately suffering and struggling to survive."
On July 22, Minister Oda announced funding of $50 million to respond to the drought in East Africa. This pledge followed the $22.35 million provided by Canada earlier this year for humanitarian assistance in this region, bringing Canada's support to date to $72.35 million.
For every dollar individual Canadians donate over the 10-week period, from July 6, 2011 to September 16, 2011, to a registered Canadian charity responding to the drought in East Africa, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the East Africa Drought Relief Fund. The Government will administer the Relief Fund separately, through CIDA, disbursing funds to organizations best suited to make an effective and real difference in the lives of people affected by the drought.
The East Africa Drought Relief Fund will provide timely, effective and accountable financial support to experienced Canadian and international humanitarian partner organizations working in the affected areas.
For more information on Canada's response to the East Africa drought and for further details on the East Africa Drought Relief Fund, including information on humanitarian partners please visit CIDA's web page on the humanitarian crisis in East Africa.
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Information
Justin Broekema
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Tel. 819-953-6238
Email: justin.broekema@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Tel. 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
