World Vision comments on Prime Minister Harper's announcement of additional funding for Syrian crisis

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2014 /CNW/ -

Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada said:

"On behalf of World Vision and its humanitarian partners in the No Lost Generation campaign, I want to commend the Government of Canada for today's announcement of new funds to address the Syrian crisis. Canada continues to set a very positive example in terms of our humanitarian response to this devastating crisis, which is now affecting millions of children and their families, both inside and outside Syria.

Today's announcement of $150 million, coupled with funds announced yesterday, illustrates Canada's sustained commitment to helping Syrian children and their families who have been affected by the conflict. While emergency aid is vital to supporting children and their families, it's through long-term commitments to providing education, social services and health care that we can ensure that this generation of Syrian children retains hope for a better future.

Today's announcement comes against the backdrop of more disagreements among the participants at the peace conference for Syria, which is currently underway in Switzerland. World Vision and other humanitarian organizations recognize that aid is only a stopgap measure, and the best solution for all those affected by the Syrian crisis is a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We continue to urge all the delegates at the negotiating table to put aside factional differences, and to concentrate their efforts on bringing peace to a troubled country."

Canadians who wish to support World Vision's relief efforts in Syria can contribute through our Syrian Refugee Crisis Fund or our Raw Hope program. Please visit www.worldvision.ca for more details.

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

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