The Canadian government will match donations for Venezuelan earthquake victims given to the Humanitarian Coalition and the Canadian Red Cross.
The announcement was made June 30 by Randeep Sarai, the secretary of state for international development.
“Every day brings a clearer picture of the immense needs of people affected by this disaster,” he said of the earthquakes, which hit a minute apart in the country of 28 million people on June 24.
“We’re doubling the generous efforts of Canadians who are stepping up to support our partners on the ground as they deliver urgent, life-saving help to those who need it most,” he added.
Every donation made by individuals to these organizations from June 25 to July 14 will be matched, up to a total of $4 million.
Money donated by Canadians will be used for emergency health care, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as other essential support for affected communities.
“We know that Canadians are incredibly generous and eager to help their neighbours around the world,” said Tiffany Baggetta, executive director of the Humanitarian Coalition, which brings together 12 Canadian aid organizations to respond to disasters in the Global South.
“Canadians have historically responded strongly to humanitarian emergencies,” she added. “We are hopeful they will do similarly for people in Venezuela.”
“This additional funding comes at a critical time when thousands of families in Venezuela are in immediate need of humanitarian support as they lose their homes and livelihoods,” said Andy Harrington, executive director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank and a member of the Humanitarian Coalition.
“For many families, this disaster compounds already difficult living conditions,” he said, adding they are “dealing with destruction that will take decades to recover from.”
Donations can be made directly to the Humanitarian Coalition or through its members.
The match from the Canadian government is in addition to the $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding it has already committed to the disaster.
