News and Updates

News release, statements, and updates about the work of our members and partners.

The Humanitarian Coalition, a partnership of 12 of Canada's largest international aid agencies, is pleased to announce that Toronto's iconic CN Tower will be illuminated tonight in support of World Refugee Day.

This annual event, which occurs on June 20th, is designed to raise awareness of the plight of more than 100 million people worldwide who have been forced to leave their homes due to natural or manmade humanitarian emergencies.

June 20th is World Refugee Day. It is a day set aside each year to raise awareness of people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes. This year, however, the number of people displaced due to natural disasters and human-caused problems has reached an unprecedented 110 million men, women and children.

In response to the combined impact of conflict, climate and hunger in parts of east Africa, along with the ripple effects of the conflict in Sudan, leading Canadian aid agencies -- working together as the Humanitarian Coalition -- are raising funds to rush assistance to people in need.

The Canadian government has announced it will match donations by individual Canadians until June 30, up to a total of $5 million.

Ottawa, 24 February 2023 -- The Canadian government has announced that it will match donations to the Humanitarian Coalition and its member charities up to $10 million for emergency assistance to survivors of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

Twelve leading Canadian charities are working together to respond to the urgent needs of people affected by the unfolding disaster. Beyond search and rescue efforts, millions of people are in critical need of tents, blankets, heaters, food, drinking water and medical care.

According to the World Health Organization and UNOCHA:

Ottawa, 06 February 2023 -- In response to the devastation caused in Türkiye and Syria by an earthquake early this morning, leading Canadian aid agencies -- working together as the Humanitarian Coalition -- are raising funds to rush assistance to people in need.

Facts

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Türkiye, close to the border with northern Syria, in the early hours of Monday February 6, 2023.

Over 2,300 people are dead and several hundred are injured, with the death toll expected to rise.  

Ottawa, 13 September 2022 – In response to the flooding emergency unfolding in Pakistan, leading Canadian aid agencies – working together as the Humanitarian Coalition – are raising funds to rush assistance to people in need.

The Government of Canada has announced that it will match donations to the Humanitarian Coalition and its member charities up to $3 million.

Facts

Ottawa, 24 June 2022 – In response to the hunger emergency unfolding around the world, including many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, 12 leading Canadian aid agencies are joining forces as the Humanitarian Coalition to raise funds and rush assistance to people on the edge of famine.

The Canadian Government has announced that it will match donations to the Humanitarian Coalition and its member charities up to $5 million.

According to the World Food Programme,

Ottawa, 28 February 2022 – In response to the humanitarian needs stemming from the escalating conflict in Ukraine, leading Canadian aid agencies – through the Humanitarian Coalition – are launching an appeal to raise funds and rush emergency assistance to people in need.

With numbers expected to rise, the UN Office for Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) has confirmed 376 civilian casualties, including 94 deaths.

OTTAWA, December 24, 2021 – As the death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines surges past 375, Canadian charities are working in the affected areas, providing desperately-needed aid to survivors.

From December 16-18, the super typhoon made 10 landfalls across 7 provinces, bringing high winds, torrential rains and landslides.

An estimated 2.4 million people have been impacted by the storm, with more than 680,000 forced to leave their homes. Lack of water and crowded evacuation centres increase the risk of the spread of disease, including COVID-19.

Ottawa, 27 May 2021 – Leading Canadian aid agencies are working together to raise awareness among Canadians of the dire situation in India, and solicit funds for their relief work.