Canada's leading relief agencies partner to respond to the earthquake and tsunami which have hit Japan and surrounding areas

Canadian aid agencies, under the banner of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION, are urging Canadians to support the relief efforts in Japan after a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake, the largest in the nation’s recorded history, and tsunami has devastated the region. Recent reports suggest that thousands are among the dead after the quake and a resulting tsunami, which reached a height of up to 10 metres in some areas.

The HUMANITARIAN COALITION, comprised of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada, is working to assess the needs of the people affected by the disaster. The partners, four of Canada’s largest relief agencies are joining together to raise funds for the hundreds of thousands of people affected.

Through the coordination of these top agencies, Canadian donations will be allocated where they are most needed.

"We are supporting our partners in Japan and will provide funds to help where the Japanese government indicates that help is most needed," said Nicolas Moyer, coordinator, the HUMANITARIAN COALITION. "While the Japanese government is extremely well prepared for such situations, we are stepping up to help and hope Canadians will do the same."

About the HUMANITARIAN COALITION
With a combined presence in over 120 countries, the joint efforts by the members of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION provide a widespread and effective response to emergencies. In addition, the campaign has one call centre, one phone number and a joint website for online donations in order to make donating easy for Canadians. Public service announcements and web communications are coordinated to represent a single and unified voice.

To donate to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION, Canadians can visit together.ca or send donations to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION, P.O. Box 7023, Ottawa, ON, K1L 5A0.