Canada matches its citizens’ donation

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper: Global leader in addressing impact of Typhoon Yolanda. AP PHOTO/IVAN SEKRETAREV

MANILA, Philippines—The Canadian government has announced an initial allocation of 50 million Canadian dollars (P2.046 billion) to support recovery programs across Eastern Visayas as part of a counterpart fund to match more than C$85 million (P3.5 billion) Canadians had raised through a public appeal shortly after Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the Canadian government would fulfill its promise “to match every eligible dollar” that individual Canadians had donated to registered Canadian charities between Nov. 9 and Dec. 23 last year.

“I am deeply proud of the way Canadians came together to help the people of the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). The remarkable support that Canadians provided both here at home and the very strong presence of both our DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) and humanitarian partners on the ground, especially on Panay island, made us a global leader in helping address the impact of the crisis,” Harper said in a statement the Canadian Embassy released on Friday.

Thousands of Canadians sent donations to registered charities after their government launched a matching fund drive on Nov. 10. Contributions reached C$85 million by Dec. 23.

Matching the amount in tranches, the Canadian government released an initial C$15 million (P614 million) to support emergency relief operations in November.

On Friday, Harper announced the allocation of C$50 million more to various Canadian humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies to implement recovery projects in affected areas across Samar, Leyte and Panay.

Support for vulnerable groups

Funding will focus on the restoration of livelihood, shelter, health, water and sanitation and education systems, as well as support for vulnerable groups such as women, children and indigenous peoples.

“Our government worked closely with the Filipino-Canadian community, humanitarian partners and the government of the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan to identify priorities and quickly provide emergency assistance where it was needed most. The Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund was a success and our government is proud to play a role in matching the generosity of Canadians,” Harper said.

The Canadian Embassy said the remaining C$20.59 million (P842 million) would be allocated for long-term reconstruction programs.

Once the Canadian government completes the delivery of counterpart funds, Canadian assistance made through the matching fund drive would total C$170 million (P7 billion).

This is on top of immediate assistance that Canada released during the emergency relief phase, including C$5 million (P204 million) for the distribution of tents, blankets and shelter kits, and C$30,000 or P1.22 million for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to kick-start relief operations.