Mississauga, ON—World Vision and Air Canada are working together to support those devastated by Tropical Storm Stan’s torrential rainfalls and mudslides. Operated by volunteer crews, Airbus 321 left this morning destined for Guatemala City where 1,050 World Vision tents will be delivered to the San Marco, Solola, and Chimaltenango regions. 

“This shipment of tents will more than a thousand displaced children and families, currently living in temporary community centre shelters, to return to their location of residence and start reconstructing their homes,” said Emmanuel Isch, director of emergency relief and disaster mitigation for World Vision Canada.

World Vision will also be delivering drawings and greetings of encouragement and hope from children at Market Lane School in Toronto and John Knox Christian School in Brampton.

“While food, water and shelter are without a doubt the essential first in an emergency situation, it’s also important for victims to know that someone cares,” said Isch. “Getting letters and pictures of encouragement can make all the difference to a child.”

World Vision staff members in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico, the most-affected countries in the region, are still working to assess damage in outlying World Vision projects and surrounding communities World Vision is working with local governments to find adequate shelter for children and their families as well as provide psychosocial support to those traumatized by this disaster. Long-term disaster response will focus on medical supplies, housing and economic recovery for families.

Emergency supplies already delivered across the region include: medicine, medical equipment and first-aid items, children’s clothing, blankets, shoes, hygiene and disposable items (such as soap, sanitary towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste and disposable diapers), food, water, and temporary shelter materials.

Nearly 50,000 Canadians sponsor children in these countries, and are concerned about their sponsored children. Sponsors in these regions will be updated if needed once assessment reports have been finalized, or inquiries can be made via this Web site or 1.800.268.5528.

As Canada's largest relief and development agency, World Vision's passion is to help children and their communities transform their lives by fighting poverty and injustice.  Since 1950, we have been providing hope for children in nearly 100 countries. We are motivated by God's love for all people regardless of race, religion or gender.