As the full scale of the devastation caused by the earthquakes in Venezuela becomes clearer, humanitarian needs continue to grow and Canadians are stepping up to support those in need.

Secretary of State (International Development), Randeep Sarai,  announced that Canada will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition in support of urgent relief efforts. Every donation made by individuals to these organizations from June 25 to July 14 will be matched, up to a total of $4 million.

Funds raised through the generosity of Canadians will help deliver life-saving assistance, including emergency health care, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as other essential support for affected communities.

The funding provided to the Canadian Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition at the end of the donation-matching period will build on the $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding announced on June 25, by Secretary of State Sarai and Minister Anand. This brings Canada’s total humanitarian assistance funding in response to the earthquakes to $9 million.

This $5 million has been allocated as follows:

• $2 million to the World Food Programme
• $2 million to the Pan American Health Organization
• $1 million to the International Rescue Committee

Working with the Canadian Red Cross, Canada has already helped deliver more than 5,700 emergency relief items on the ground, including blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, tarpaulins and jerry cans, and is supporting the deployment of emergency health services and medical supplies.

Canada will continue to stand with the people of Venezuela in the wake of this immense devastation and work with humanitarian partners on the ground to assess evolving needs.