Canadian Broadcasters and Private Sector Support Pakistan Appeal

23/09/2010

The HUMANITARIAN COALITION welcomes the support of Canadian Broadcasters and Private Sector for relief efforts in Pakistan

Ottawa (23 September, 2010) – Canadian broadcasters and the private sector are lead supporters of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION’s emergency appeal for Pakistan Flood survivors. 

“This cooperation is exactly what is needed to get the message out to more people, reduce fundraising costs and get more aid to where it is needed faster than ever before”, said David Morley, President and CEO of Save the Children Canada.  “This kind of partnership is similar to the Disasters Emergency Committee model, which has been used in Britain since 1963. There, 13 aid agencies come together and help raise awareness and funds for disaster appeals in partnership with network television and radio broadcasters, banks, the Post Office, BritishTelecom, regional and national press and a range of organizations in the private sector.”

The following broadcasters have rallied behind relief efforts of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION:

  • CBC - launched radio and TV spots, directing the public to a dedicated website with information on the crisis and how to support relief operations.  See www.cbc.ca/pakistanrelief for more details.
  • CTVglobemedia - donated 30-second television and radio spots and has been running online banners since early August.

“We’ve seen the direct correlation between media visibility of a disaster and resulting donations,” said Nicolas Moyer, coordinator of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION. “The generosity of Canadian broadcasters means more Canadians are aware of the severity of the flooding, the conditions in which survivors are living and the threat of waterborne diseases. These images and updates, along with the direct links to our website have helped harness the generosity of the Canadian people to give during these difficult times.”

So far the HUMANITARIAN COALITION has received more than $3,300,000 in donations, a fraction of what’s needed to provide the necessities of life for survivors of unprecedented flooding in Pakistan. With the Canadian government’s matched donation program, Canadians can be confident that their donations will reach the aid agencies already operating on the ground and help secure much-needed food, clean water, tents and medical supplies. 

Additional support has been provided online to the HUMANITARIAN COALITION’s appeal.  The following are a few other organisations that have supported the appeal with online banners on their websites:

  • eBay Canada
  • Astral Médias (has also run radio spots)
  • Motherforlife.com
  • Afriquecanada.tv

The HUMANITARIAN COALITION, through its member agencies, provides a widespread and effective response to emergencies, with a combined presence in 120 countries. By coming together under one banner, the HUMANITARIAN COALITION reduces fundraising costs, increasing the impact of Canadian donations where it is needed.

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For more information about the crisis, the HUMANITARIAN COALITION or to arrange for an interview with agency spokespeople, please contact:

 
Kieran Green, CARE Canada   
(514) 458-0057


Alexandra Lopoukhine, Oxfam Canada
(613) 850-9723


Justine Lesage, Oxfam-Québec
514 513-0013


Denise Koulis, Save the Children Canada
(647) 273-7134

 

For more information about the crisis or the HUMANITARIAN COALITION visit www.together.ca.