How We Work

In order to respond to humanitarian disasters quickly and effectively, the Humanitarian Coalition brings leading Canadian aid organizations together in a united effort to raise funds, partner with the government, and engage the participation of media, businesses and individual Canadians.

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Major emergencies

When a major emergency strikes, the Humanitarian Coalition leads its members in a joint appeal – a united effort to inform Canadians and raise funds quickly and transparently, so that the most aid can be delivered to survivors in the shortest time.

We rely on our corporate and media partners and supporters to disseminate the message widely and rapidly. We often receive government support through a matching fund. 

Together, we make donating simple for Canadians by removing competition for donations, increasing the awareness of needs and reducing the duplication of costs, meaning more help for survivors.

See all major emergencies

How we allocate your donations

Our priority is to get help to those in need as quickly and efficiently as possible. Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, we are able to distribute funds to our member agencies so they can meet the basic needs of survivors quickly and effectively. Our members have expertise in providing shelter, clean water, sanitation services, protection services, health care, and livelihood support.

We keep our costs low, distributing a minimum of 85% of appeal revenues to our member agencies.

Smaller disasters

Around the world, disasters occur frequently, more than 350 times a year. Although major emergencies are generally well publicized, the majority of disasters are local, affect comparatively fewer people and receive little media attention.

But when a woman, man or child survives a disaster -- whether 1,000 or 100,000 people are affected -- their basic needs are the same and they desperately need our help.

Thanks to the unique partnership with Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF) allows the Humanitarian Coalition to respond quickly to such emergencies. The CHAF makes funds available almost immediately, and our members, on the ground in more than 140 countries, choose the agency among them that is best placed to provide aid quickly and effectively.

Smaller disasters are supported by Global Affairs Canada (85%), the Humanitarian Coalition (5%) and the Humanitarian Coalition’s member agencies (10%), meaning that every $1 given to the Humanitarian Coalition is multiplied to provide $20 in life-saving aid.

See all small to medium-scale disasters

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How do we stay accountable

When you donate to the Humanitarian Coalition, you can be confident your money is used wisely to help survivors of international humanitarian emergencies. Our work is guided by the core humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence, and funding is always allocated based on needs. Our members are established and reputable Canadian charities that meet our stringent membership criteria.

We monitor the progress of our members’ projects and ensure their responses are meeting the needs of those affected. We conduct evaluations, write stories and reports, and publish the results of our activities, with complete financial statements.

Learn more about our members

Our Partners

During appeals, we work with the Canadian government, other aid charities, media partners, corporate leaders and supporters to maximize our response.

Meet our partners

Emergency Appeals Alliance

We are part of the Emergency Appeals Alliance, a global network spanning 11 countries.

Learn about the EAA

 

Our Board

The Board of Directors consists of the respective CEO or Executive Director of member agencies.

Andy Harrington Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Andy Harrington

Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Karin Achtelstetter Canadian Lutheran World Relief

Karin Achtelstetter

Canadian Lutheran World Relief

Barbara Grantham CARE Canada

Barbara Grantham

CARE Canada

Image of Usama Khan

Usama Khan

Islamic Relief Canada

Lauren Ravon Oxfam Canada

Lauren Ravon

Oxfam Canada

Denise Byrnes Oxfam-Québec

Béatrice Vaugrante

Oxfam-Québec

Lindsay Glassco Plan International Canada

Lindsay Glassco

Plan International Canada

Danny Glenwright Save the Children Canada

Danny Glenwright

Save the Children Canada

Michael Messaenger World Vision Canada

Michael Messenger

World Vision Canada

 

Our Staff

A small team manages the day-to-day operation of the Humanitarian Coalition.

Richard Morgan Executive Director Humanitarian Coalition

Richard Morgan

Executive Director

Bren Melles

Bren Melles

Humanitarian Programs Specialist

Catherine Dufour

Catherine Dufour

Stewardship Specialist

Jade Moore Donor Relations Officer Humanitarian Coalition

Jade Moore

Donor Relations Coordinator

Soukayna Remmal, Communications officer

Soukayna Remmal

Communications Officer

Caze Jean-Noël

Caze Jean-Noël

Finance & Administration Coordinator