OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov 10, 2013) - Canada is calling on Canadians to help support the people affected by the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan through a matching fund. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

"Time and time again Canadians have demonstrated they are among the most compassionate and generous people in the world. Our Government is making sure their contributions can do more to ease pain and suffering," said Minister Paradis. "Through this fund, for every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities in response to the crisis in the Philippines the government will donate an additional dollar - effectively doubling their contribution."

Typhoon Haiyan has caused widespread devastation in the Philippines affecting an estimated 9.5 million people. Over 615,000 people are currently displaced and well over 1,000 people have died according to the Philippine Red Cross. The numbers are expected to increase as more affected areas become accessible. The people of the Philippines and other affected countries by this storm are in dire need of clean water, hygiene and sanitation supplies, food, medicines and shelter.

Canada is also deploying the Interdepartmental Strategic Support Team, to assess needs on ground and identify potential response options, which could include the Disaster Assistance Response Team.

"On November 9, 2013, I announced up to $5 million in support to humanitarian organizations this is in addition to the Matching Fund that I am announcing today. This storm has had a devastating impact on the people of the Philippines, and sadly, it is not yet over. In the coming days, we will continue to monitor the situation, we will work with our partners to meet humanitarian needs and we will stand ready to provide further assistance if required," added the Minister.

The announcement made on November 9 was in addition to the initial allocation of $30,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross on Friday, November 8 to help launch relief operations and meet the needs of those affected by this crisis. Emergency relief activities will include the provision of emergency shelter, food, water, livelihood support, and other essential services.

Backgrounder

On November 9, 2013, the Government of Canada announced up to $5 million in support to humanitarian organizations striving to meet the needs of the people affected by Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda). In addition, an initial allocation of $30,000 was made by DFATD to the International Federation of the Red Cross on Friday, November 8 to help launch relief operations and meet the needs of those affected by this crisis. Emergency relief activities will include the provision of emergency shelter, food, water, livelihood support, and other essential services.