Canada steps up its response to the humanitarian crisis in southern Africa

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The Humanitarian Coalition and its member agencies welcome the Government of Canada’s decision to match donations by Canadians in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development, announced today that individual donations to the Humanitarian Coalition and its 10 members will be matched from March 15 to April 14, to a maximum of $2 million.

Quotes
“Canada’s leadership could not come at a more critical time, as the number of people affected by Cyclone Idai increases with each passing day. Our agencies are working around the clock to deliver food, shelter, protection and medical care to those in desperate need, but we have to reach more people. Canadians always step up and show their generosity during times of crisis; we thank the government for making the Canadian public’s dollars go even further through match funding,” said Bill Chambers, President and CEO of Save the Children.

"The situation for 3 million people is critical, and we can do much more to help by working together. With the Humanitarian Coalition we have 10 agencies collaborating to raise funds and deliver aid in a timely and effective way. We are now counting on the generosity of Canadians to help us respond to the urgent needs. With the Government of Canada’s new matching fund, donations will have double the impact. Together, we can save more lives,” said Karin Achtelstetter, Executive Director of Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

Situation update
• Some 3 million people have been affected
• The official death toll has risen above 730
• More than 1,000 cases of cholera, diarrhea and malaria have been reported
• At least 220,000 displaced people are living in makeshift camps, schools

The following agencies are members of the Humanitarian Coalition: Action Against Hunger, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, CARE Canada, Humanity & Inclusion, Islamic Relief Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan International Canada, Save the Children.

Canadians can give to Cyclone Idai emergency relief at www.together.ca or by calling 1-800-464-9154.