Canadian aid workers return from Pakistan

Kevin McCort, co-founder of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION and CEO of CARE Canada, along with Bogdan Dumitru, CARE Canada's VP of International Programs, are returning to Canada after a heart-breaking visit to flood-ravaged regions of Pakistan.

"Now, just returning back from one of the flood stricken areas of Pakistan, I am surprised at the low level of response so far by Canadians", said Kevin McCort. "If there is concern regarding aid actually getting through, Canadians can be rest assured that it is - I have witnessed it first hand. Clean water, shelter, and emergency food is beginning to reach those that need it most, but the need is truly so great! Let's challenge ourselves Canada to step up and pour out our generosity"

McCort, along with his HUMANITARIAN COALITION counterparts, is reaching out to Canadians to ask for further support.

"Canadians are known for their generosity. The world follows our lead when it comes to giving to fund disaster relief and rebuilding" said David Morley, President and CEO of Save the Children Canada. "That's why it's so important that Canadians give now, because their donations can make a world of difference for the children and their families whose lives have been shattered by this disaster."

The devastation in Pakistan is immense and the level of humanitarian aid needed has now surpassed that of the 2004 tsunami and January's earthquake in Haiti. Canadians have a history of generosity, donating approximately $200 million to relief efforts in the tsunami zone and $250 million for Haiti. Most of these funds were received within the first few weeks of each disaster.

"More rain continues to fall and a public health crisis looms," said Oxfam Canada's Executive Director Robert Fox. "Long-term, flood survivors whose crops were destroyed will face serious food shortages. We need to ensure that everyone who needs it receives help."

HUMANITARIAN COALITION members are working to prevent a new disaster in the form of a public health outbreak. The massive displacement of millions of people and deteriorating living conditions are increasing risks to flood survivors, especially children. Conditions are becoming dire and the monsoon season is forecast to last another month. It is no exaggeration to say that aid agencies are racing against the clock to reach people in desperate need of help.

Canadians can support the Pakistan relief effort by donating at http://www.together.ca.

The HUMANITARIAN COALITION, through its member agencies, provides a widespread and effective response to emergencies, with a combined presence in 120 countries. By coming together under one banner, the HUMANITARIAN COALITION reduces fundraising costs, increasing the impact of Canadian donations where it is needed.

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For more information about the crisis, the HUMANITARIAN COALITION or to
arrange for an interview with Canadians in Pakistan or agency
spokespeople, please contact:

Joumana Yahchouchi, CARE Canada

514 443-3898
media@care.ca

Karen Palmer, Oxfam Canada
613 240-3047 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              613 240-3047      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

karenp@oxfam.ca

Caroline Boily, Oxfam-Québec

514 513-0506

boilyc@oxfam.qc.ca

Denise Koulis, Aide à l'enfance Canada

647 291-1683

dkoulis@savethechildren.ca