Plan Canada congratulates Canadian government on announcement to match
donations to Pakistan relief efforts

TORONTO, Aug. 22 /CNW/ - Plan Canada applauds the Canadian government for its decision to match donations to the Pakistan flood response. Approximately 20 million people have already been affected by the floods and this decision means private donor contributions will have double the impact.

"This is certainly welcome news and a great step by the Government of Canada to assist with the flooding crisis in Pakistan" said Plan CEO Rosemary McCarney, adding "I sincerely hope Canadians will demonstrate their usual generosity with the knowledge that their donations will go twice as far to positively impact the lives of children."

The federal government will allocate the matching funds to Canadian and international development organizations responding to the floods in Pakistan.

Plan has been operating in Pakistan since 1997 and responded within hours of the first devastating floods. With relief activities underway in the Punjab and Sindh regions, Plan is providing dry rations, cooked meals, children's food packs and health and hygiene kits to thousands of families. Plan is also arranging for distribution of health kits for newborn babies and expecting mothers and assessing child protection and trauma to ensure that children are assisted in this crisis.

For Charity Listings: Donations made to Plan Canada for Pakistan relief efforts between August 2 and September 12 will be eligible for matching. Go to www.plancanada.ca or call 1 800 609 3142 to donate to Plan Canada's Pakistan relief fund.

Need a source to comment on this announcement? President and CEO, Rosemary McCarney and Dr. Tanjina Mirza, vice-president of international programs at Plan Canada are available for comment.

For further information: Kristy Payne, Plan Canada: 416 568-6525, [email protected]