REBUILDING AFTER HAIYAN: UNICEF Canada launches "Philippines 365" Campaign

Monthly donations through 2014 will help with ongoing needs; first gift will be matched by federal government

TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadians have a commendable history of being quick to contribute to relief efforts when disaster strikes around the world. But UNICEF Canada says ensuring that there is ongoing support after Typhoon Haiyan fades from the headlines will be critical in helping the people of the Philippines get back on their feet.

"Canadians showed their incredible generosity in the immediate aftermath of Haiyan, donating approximately $3.5 million to UNICEF Canada for the emergency relief appeal. But, tens of thousands of people in the Philippines are facing many more months of displacement and need while the rebuilding effort continues," said David Morley, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada.

"The next 365 days will be crucial for the children and families who have survived. We are urging Canadians to stand with those in need in the Philippines throughout the coming year by making monthly donations which will go directly to help those who will continue to be affected by the disaster."

Those who sign up before December 23 to make monthly contributions to UNICEF Canada's 365 Days for Philippines initiative will double their impact, as the Government of Canada will match all donations received before the end of this year. For every dollar donated by individuals to UNICEF Canada from November 9 to December 23, 2013, the Government of Canada will match donations dollar for dollar to a Haiyan relief fund, up to $100,000 per individual.

Even a small daily donation (paid monthly) can make a big difference:

• A dollar a day for a year ($30.42 per month) can buy 700 exercise books and pencils for an entire school;
• 75 cents a day for a year ($22.81 per month) can provide special water kits for 20 families, providing them with safe drinking water;
• 50 cents a day for a year ($15.21 per month) can protect more than 500 children from the devastating effects of measles and tetanus.

"I have been working on emergencies for more than 15 years now, and I seriously thought I had seen it all. I went to the city coliseum to talk to survivors. Even before they opened their mouths, I could see in their eyes the shock, fear and frustration at what they had just been through. These people here have lost everything. They need everything," said Nonoy Fajardo, Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Specialist, UNICEF Philippines.

Donations to UNICEF Canada's 365 Days for Philippines campaign will be directed to the areas of greatest need in the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on November 8, killing more than 5,000 people and displacing more than 3.8 million from their homes.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive.

SOURCE: UNICEF Canada