MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (Jan.15, 2010) – In the three days since the earthquake destroyed most of the Haitian capital city of Port-au-Prince, Canadians have contributed $4 million to World Vision’s relief efforts in Haiti.

By the end of Thursday, donations to World Vision Canada totaled over $1.8 million. Close to $2 million has been donated over the course of Friday.

“The situation in Haiti has troubled and moved all of us to tears, but also to action,” says World Vision’s Caroline Riseboro. “The contributions made in the past three days will go a long way to ensuring the health and security of families and children in Haiti both now and in the coming months.”

Based on the needs of people in Haiti, World Vision has increased its fundraising goal from $5 million and now seeks to raise $10 million to help as many of the 3 million people who have been affected by this disaster.

A campaign is now underway on Facebook and Twitter for friends, fans and followers to donate $10 to World Vision Canada for relief efforts in Haiti by going to http://www.worldvision.ca/ or and then inviting their friends list or followers to do the same. For more information visit World Vision’s Social Media to the Rescue Page (http://bit.ly/socialmediatorescue).

“Canadians have shown profound generosity in their response to the crisis in Haiti,” said Riseboro, “and there is still a profound opportunity for people to help.”

-30-

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.

To make a donation through World Vision, Canadians can call 1-800-268-5528, or visit worldvision.ca. They can also join World Vision’s “HAITI RELIEF $10 (OR MORE) CHALLENGE” on Facebook.

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@WorldVision.ca

Britt Hamilton
905-565-6200 ext. 3973
416-419-1321 (cell)
britt_hamilton@worldvision.ca