Canadian government to match private donations for Pakistan flood aid

Donations for flood aid in Pakistan through cbm Canada will be matched dollar for dollar by the federal government until September 12.

The federal government announced Sunday that it will match private donations to Canadian registered charities for Pakistan flood aid (made between August 2 and September 12), with no upper limit according to Government House leader John Baird.

The new fund is above the $33 million that the government has already pledged to Pakistan for the natural disaster.

Since the crisis began, cbm Canada has been providing life-saving assistance through its trusted partner on the ground to victims of the worst flooding to hit Pakistan in 80 years.

"Whenever there is an emergency, the specific needs of people with disabilities are overlooked," says Ed Epp, Executive Director of cbm Canada.

"cbm is working with its local partners to save lives by providing food, shelter and medical services to those in need in some of the hardest hit regions."

cbm is committed to Pakistan

For the past 30 years, cbm has been working in Pakistan. Extensive health and medical networks have been giving health care, eye care and education services to people struggling to survive the cycle of poverty and disability.

Now, and as the flood waters recede, cbm is focusing its efforts on helping people with disabilities and people most at risk of being disabled as a result of this disaster.

"Through the generosity of Canadian donors, cbm is restoring health to communities, preventing disabilities and rebuilding lives in the days and months to come," says Epp.

Torrential monsoons triggered the flooding in northwest Pakistan in late July, leaving an estimated four million homeless, and affecting up to 20 million people. The official death toll is over 1,500.

Millions of homes and precious farmland have been destroyed by the flooding. The long-term impact will be felt for years to come.