Canada extends lifeline to Syrian children

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Highlights:

Extension of Government of Canada match funding provides another reason for Canadians to donate to charities helping Syrians in crisis
Winter has arrived in Lebanon's Bekaa valley. Four year old Abd Al and his sister Mona are refugee children living in tents in the cold.
Mona doesn't have any winter boots, so she stays inside all day. (Photo/World Vision)
(January 07, 2016) –
MISSISSAUGA, ON – World Vision is encouraged by the Government of Canada’s announcement today that it will extend match funding through the Syrian Emergency Relief Fund until the end of February. As one of Canada’s largest humanitarian development agencies, World Vision says this extended deadline will encourage Canadians to donate to organizations providing basic necessities to millions of desperate families and help secure a future for some of the world’s most vulnerable children.

QUOTES:
“This decision is a clear demonstration of Canada’s on-going humanitarian commitment to helping millions of Syrian families who continue to be in desperate need. It shows that Canada is dedicated to a comprehensive response to this crisis, helping newcomers here in Canada and also through this match funding support for those who are suffering at the source of the conflict.”
-Michael Messenger, President, World Vision Canada 

“We know from experience that match funding can be a strong motivator for Canadians to be generous, knowing that each and every dollar they donate will be doubled to help vulnerable children who need basic necessities and the opportunity to go to school. For many Canadians, winter is a source of fun and excitement --- but for millions of Syrian families in the region, many of whom are living under flimsy shelters with no heat, the first snowfalls only increase their desperate need for support.”
-Michael Messenger, President, World Vision Canada 

“The Government of Canada is proud to extend the Syria Emergency Release Fund until February 29 2016, to help refugees in Syria’s neighbouring countries. With the collaboration of international and Canadian humanitarian organizations we will help meet basic humanitarian needs of people affected by the conflict in Syria, including shelter, food, health care, and access to water.” 
-Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

FAST FACTS
  • More than 250,000 people killed in the Syrian conflict.
  • More than 6.6 million people displaced inside Syria and 13.5 million in need of humanitarian assistance
  • More than 4.3 million refugees outside Syria, including Canada
  • More than 2 million child refugees face a future without stable education and a present plagued by violence and insecurity.
  • In Lebanon, there are more than 1.1 million refugees and 93% of Syrian refugee households live below the national poverty line.
  • The Syria regional refugee and resilience response plan for 2015 received only 58% of what was needed despite a massive need for food, water, shelter, health care, and importantly education.

For interviews contact:
Brett Tarver – 647-825-2712 or brett_tarver@worldvision.ca