World Vision Canada receives $2 million Government of Canada grant

Funds will bring immediate support to victims of Typhoon Haiyan

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - World Vision is pleased with today's announcement by the Government of Canada of a $2 million grant to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. The international humanitarian agency will use these funds to provide shelter and hygiene kits to children and their families, and to offer support for children and women in the areas affected by the typhoon, which struck the Philippines earlier this month.

Quotes:

"World Vision has been on the ground in the Philippines for 55 years, so we're well-positioned to begin using this money right away to help families begin rebuilding," says Dave Toycen, President and CEO of World Vision Canada.

"Children are among the most vulnerable victims in a disaster. A portion of these funds will go to build Child-friendly Spaces where children can find safe places to play, gather with friends, and process their grief through story-telling, role-playing and games in a caring environment," says Toycen.

"We're extremely grateful for the Government of Canada's continued support for the victims of this disaster," Toycen adds. "The needs of those who survived the storm are immense and we encourage Canadians to continue contributing to relief efforts that have been launched by Canadian aid agencies such as World Vision."

The $2 million grant will support work in the provinces of Leyte (including Tacloban City), Samar, Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan and northern Cebu by providing the following:

• Shelter: Temporary shelter supplies for 5,000 households, and non-food items such as blankets, mosquito nets, plastic mats, and can openers for 10,000 vulnerable families.
  
• Hygiene Kits: hygiene items to 10,000 vulnerable families, including bath soap, laundry soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, underwear, and nail clippers. Support will also include hygiene education, specifically targeted at women and girls.
  
• Access to support for children and women through Child-friendly Spaces and women/infant-friendly spaces for 17,500 vulnerable children and women. Child-friendly Spaces provide children with opportunities to talk about their disaster experiences, and give them access to drawing, story-telling, games and other age-appropriate activities. They help bring back a semblance of stability to children's lives and allow them a safe place to process their experiences.

Canadians wishing to support the emergency response in the Philippines can donate by visiting www.worldvision.ca or by calling 1-866-595-5550.  The Government of Canada has announced a Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund. Through this fund, the government will set aside one dollar for every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians to World Vision Canada or other registered Canadian charities between Nov 9th and Dec 9th, 2013.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca. 

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

For interviews, media may contact:  Bob Neufeld, Manager, Emergency and Corporate Communications, 905-565-6200, ext. 3265 or 647-622-2045. E-mail: [email protected]