Canadian pledges to World Vision's Pakistan flood response nearing $5 million

Canadian government will match donations until Oct. 3

TORONTO, Sept. 30 /CNW/ - World Vision is grateful for the generosity Canadians have shown to Pakistani children and families who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of flooding throughout the country. So far, nearly 28,000 Canadians have pledged to World Vision's Pakistan flood response, helping the aid agency reach $4.9 million dollars in donations.

Among other projects, World Vision is using these funds to:

    
    -   Support emergency health clinics where children and families are
        receiving treatment for waterborne diseases and other flood-related
        illnesses.
    -   Establish "women-friendly spaces" and "child-friendly spaces" -
        secure areas that offer much-needed respite and activities for
        flood-affected women and children.
    

There is still tremendous need in Pakistan. World Vision is appealing to those who haven't donated to do so before Sunday, October 3 - the government of Canada's deadline for matching donations.

QUOTE

"Reaching $5 million in donations means we can help more children affected by the devastation in Pakistan. We were admittedly concerned about the slow flow of donations during the early days of this response. However, as the match deadline approaches, we're pleased by the increase in pledges. It not only demonstrates the compassion of Canadians, but also their trust in our work." - Caroline Riseboro, VP, Public Affairs, World Vision Canada

    
     FACTS

    -   World Vision has set up 11 child-friendly spaces, with 9 additional
        sites planned for children and another 20 sites for women.
    -   At present, World Vision is running 17 health clinics, 9 of them
        mobile, and aims to set up a total of 60 clinics throughout the
        hardest-hit areas. The agency is also conducting hygiene education
        sessions in Punjab and Sindh.
    -   In addition to distribution of food, water and shelter supplies,
        World Vision plans to provide 1,000 cash-for-work jobs to help people
        restart their lives.
    -   To date, World Vision has assisted 380,262 people with emergency
        relief, including food, clean water, cooking supplies and shelter
        materials.
    -   To donate, call 1-800-268-5528 (English) or 1-800-363-5021 (French)
        or visit http://www.worldvision.ca. Donors can also text the word
        WORLD to 45678 to make a $5 donation. The Canadian government will
        match donations until October 3.
    

CONTACTS

World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For further information: Britt Hamilton, 905-565-6200 ext. 3973, cell: 416-419-1321, [email protected]; Amy Fuller, 905-565-6200 ext. 2151, cell: 416-671-0086, [email protected]