In spite of recession, outpouring of donations continues from Canada

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (Jan. 26, 2010)— Nearly two weeks after the devastating earthquake, donations are still pouring in from Canadians to help children and families in Haiti. Canadians have shown their generosity by making donations to World Vision’s Haiti relief efforts despite a recent recession, cutbacks in spending and high unemployment rates.

“The wavering economy hasn’t slowed the amount of donations we’ve seen coming in. In fact donations have been ahead of the pace set by donors after the Asian Tsunami,” says Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. “Many Canadians understand that children and families affected by the disaster count on the generosity of our donors, especially in a disaster of this magnitude.”

World Vision would like to thank the countless individual donors and corporate partners who’ve helped to support the relief efforts through monetary and gift-in-kind donations. We would especially like to note the following organizations for their continued support: Air Canada, Apotex, Barrick Gold, Best Western, BMO Employee Charitable Foundation, Canada Worldwide, Cardinal Health Canada, CIBC, DUCA, Energuy Canada, FaithLife Financial, Sysco Guest Supply, IBM Employee Charitable Fund, Stratford Rotary Club, Telus, The Super Save Group, UPS and WestJet (in alphabetical order).

“We urge Canadians to remember that this type of disaster requires a marathon response over several years and not just a band-aid solution. We need to remember, as media coverage slows, that tens of thousands of people will continue to need our help and World Vision will be there for the long haul,” says Toycen.

To date, nearly $11 million has been raised through World Vision Canada for Haiti relief. If you would like to donate to World Vision’s Haiti earthquake relief efforts please call 1-800-268-5528 or visit worldvision.ca.

-30-

• To see a full list of corporate partners who have helped World Vision with relief efforts in Haiti please visit http://www.worldvision.ca/ContentArchives/content-stories/Pages/CorporateDonorsHelpingHaiti.aspx
• World Vision donors support more than 52,000 children in Haiti, including more than 10,800 children supported by Canadians.
• 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. For more information, please visit WorldVision.ca.

To interview World Vision staff or for more information or visuals, please contact:

Karen Flores
905-565-6200 ext. 3497
416-277-5563 (cell)
karen_flores@worldvision.ca