Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger would like to remind Canadians of the Feb. 12 deadline to see their donation to eligible organizations matched by the federal government for relief efforts in Haiti.
In response to the earthquake in Haiti, Minister of International Cooperation Beverley Oda announced the creation of the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.
Through this fund, the Government of Canada will match contributions made by individuals to eligible Canadian charitable organizations between Jan. 12 and Feb. 12 in support of humanitarian and recovery efforts.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will allocate these funds to Canadian and international humanitarian and development organizations.
To date, $113-million worth of donations have been matched by the government.
“I am encouraged by the outpouring of support Canadians have shown for the people of Haiti,” said Schellenberger.
“When the world calls, Canadians always answer that call. I hope everyone will take notice of the Feb. 12 deadline and will make their donations accordingly.”
Canada, through CIDA, has already provided $85-million in urgent humanitarian assistance to Haiti 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.
