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Government of Canada Helps Victims of China Earthquake and Burma Cyclone
August 14, 2008
Toronto - 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 over $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.
"Thousands 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 non-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 Kim, 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 matching
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 projects 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 Sauvé, 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 the 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 Burma.
Through the Burma Cyclone Relief Fund, CIDA is contributing to
10 projects to help those recovering from Cyclone
Nargis.
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