World Vision thanks generous Canadians on Giving Tuesday

Donations to Typhoon Haiyan relief top $5 million and still growing

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - World Vision hopes that Canadians will use Giving Tuesday as an opportunity to make a donation to humanitarian agencies that are providing help to those in need, both here in Canada and around the world. Right now, one of the biggest humanitarian crises in the world is in the Philippines, where more than 14 million people were affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Since launching its fundraising appeal for its Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts last month, World Vision has raised $5 million in pledges from generous Canadians and corporate sponsors.

Quotes:

"Giving Tuesday is a relatively new concept that Canadians have been embracing wholeheartedly," says Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. "I'm hopeful that World Vision, along with humanitarian organizations across the country, will see more evidence today of the continued generosity of Canadians who give in times of need."

"We're grateful for the support we've received thus far, but the needs in the Philippines are immense in the face of the incredible damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan," Toycen says. "World Vision continues to expand its relief operations in the affected areas and we urge Canadians to continue donate to our efforts."

"The Government of Canada announced last week that it was extending the deadline for matching donations through the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund," says Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. "To those who have already made a donation; thank you. We hope that other Canadians will follow your example in the days to come."

Among the highlights of World Vision's relief efforts for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan are:

• More than 62,000 people have received emergency food and water supplies through World Vision, including 25,000 people on Cebu Island and 14,000 people on Leyte Island, including the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc.
• World Vision is targeting to provide relief supplies to more than 400,000 people in eight Philippine provinces in the coming weeks and beyond.
• World Vision now operates Child-friendly Spaces and Women/Young Children's Spaces which benefit around 1,000 children in Cebu and Panay islands. These centres offer children a chance to play and learn in a safe environment, while mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their children. Additional centres will be opening up in the coming weeks.
• Generous Canadians have thus far pledged $5 million to World Vision Canada's relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan. This is in addition to a $2 million grant from the Government of Canada, which was announced last month.

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 established 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 from November 9th to December 23rd, 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]