OTTAWA, Ont. -- $14.5 Million--that's how much people from across Canada donated to the Humanitarian Coalition's Gaza Emergency Appeal.
With matching from the Government of Canada on the total of $13.7 million given during the matching period from October 7 to November 12, a total of $28.3 million is now available to the Humanitarian Coalition's member organizations involved in aid efforts in Gaza and the West Bank.
"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Canadians," said Humanitarian Coalition Executive Director Richard Morgan, adding that this is one of the most successful emergency appeals by the organization.
"The response from coast-to-coast-to-coast to the needs of people who are suffering in Gaza will ensure that many people there receive life-giving aid."
In his November 20 announcement about the success of the appeal, Ahmed Hussen, Minister for International Development, noted the Canadian government had originally pledged to match donations up to $10 million.
Due to the outpouring of support from Canadians, he indicated the Government would go beyond that to match the full amount given during the matching period.
While sharing that news, he went on to say the Government of Canada continues "to call for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for the innocent civilians in Gaza."
Morgan echoed The Minister's call, saying members of the Humanitarian Coalition continue to be concerned about the situation facing millions of people in Gaza.
"The situation is still perilous, with large flows of displaced people, lack of food, shelter and clean water," he said, adding the Humanitarian Coalition and its members continue to call for a ceasefire so humanitarian aid can be delivered to people in that region.
While it is impossible for Humanitarian Coalition members to provide large-scale aid while the conflict is ongoing, Morgan said their partners on the ground in Gaza are responding on small-scale and localized levels through distributions of food, water, hygiene kits, health supplies and mobility aids--when it is safe to do so.
Humanitarian Coalition members are meeting to continue assessing how to deploy funding for larger-scale responses once increased and safe access is possible in Gaza, he added.
"But the most important thing is that we need a ceasefire now so we can respond as soon as possible," he said. "We know Canadians want their generous donations to get to people there as quickly as we can."
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For media inquiries, contact us at 647-517-4563 or media@humanitariancoalition.ca
The Humanitarian Coalition (HC) brings together leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to donate during large-scale humanitarian emergencies. The HC also partners with Global Affairs Canada to enable its member agencies to respond to lesser-known small and medium-scale disasters.