Below, we reveal some phenomenal benefits and shrewd strategies for smart charitable giving as part of a holistic financial plan that helps you maximize both your impact and your savings. 

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD DONATE TO CHARITY

Foster a sense of purpose

Influential psychotherapist Adler said the key to happiness is giving, and that satisfaction is possible as long as we continue to contribute to society around us. Whether it’s donating to the homeless, the hungry, or the seriously ill, studies show that when we give to others, we contribute meaningfully while nurturing a sense of inner fulfillment. Giving back to your community, helping your fellow citizens, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives is a window into contentment and pride. 

Cash in on tax advantages

Beyond the gratification of altruism, it’s important to know that donating to nonprofits can also give you some financial gains. When you give money to registered charities, you’re eligible to claim your donations as tax deductions, thereby reducing your taxable income and overall tax burden. So your charitable gifts not only benefit your chosen organizations; they can benefit your bottom line as well.

Get connected with your community 

Another upside of giving to charities is that it can connect you with your community in ways you may not have anticipated. Choosing to support local nonprofits and initiatives, whether it’s the Coldest Night of the Year Walkathon or incredible cat rescue down the street, helps strengthen community bonds and introduces you to some of your neighbourhood movers, shakers, and potential new customers or clients. If you run a local business or provide local services, getting involved in community philanthropy can open all kinds of doors and opportunities.

Build a charitable giving legacy 

Philanthropy also has the bonus of helping you leave a lasting legacy. You can outline your charitable wishes through your will, distributing your estate to both your loved ones and your chosen charities. You can bequeath a predetermined sum of money, direct specific assets like shares or land, or endow a share of the balance of your estate to the charities that matter most to you. Strategic charitable giving perpetuates your values for future generations of your family, allowing you to leave a positive mark on the world.

Smart Strategies for Charitable Giving

Opt for automated donations

Thankfully, it’s never been easier to give via regular cash donations and make an impact on the communities you care about. Many charitable organizations will give you the option of setting up pre-authorized debit donations through your bank account or credit card. Another option is through your work—many employers now allow for automatic payroll deductions, too. Pre-planned giving helps charities with regular cash flow, reduced fundraising expenses, and a better ability to plan ahead. 

Strategic budgeting

Giving back can be a sustainable and impactful practice, regardless of your income level. Strategic budgeting for your charitable giving is another way to support the causes you care about while also managing your finances wisely. You might consider basing your charitable donations on your income level. Many donors regularly allocate about 1-3% of their income to charity, while those in higher income brackets give an average of 4–10% of theirs. By setting up monthly donations in this way, you give steady support to charities in need while also spreading your contributions evenly and gaining fiscal benefits in the form of charitable tax credits. 

Specify your donation

A number of charities offer the option to specify where your donation goes, designating your donation to a specific program or initiative that you care most about. Whether you’re passionate about supporting a particular project or want to focus on a special area of need, defining your donation ensures it’s aligned with your values and intents.

Consult with a financial advisor

Need expert guidance in managing your charitable giving? One smart strategy is to consult with a financial planner, who can give you wise advice on maximizing the impact of your giving while also optimizing your financial strategy. Financial advisors can help you do things like define your goals, plan your estate, navigate tax laws, donate publicly-traded securities, and create a long-term plan that fits your philanthropic and financial goals.

Final Thoughts

Giving is a powerful expression of being a good human. When we give back to the communities we live in, help out fellow citizens, and choose to make a difference, we feel happier, more content, and more connected. Charitable giving is a tool for positive societal change and a doorway into fulfillment, legacy building, and fiscal health. 

We hope these benefits and strategic approaches to charitable giving help individuals and families take advantage of financial gains while fostering generosity and compassion. Know that every contribution you make, no matter how small, has the power to change lives for the better.

When will you make your next charitable donation? 

Search over 86,000 registered Canadian charities on CanadaHelps.org to find a cause that matters to you and give today. Or you can browse these resources to learn about different ways you can give:

The Advantages of Monthly Giving

Ways to Give

The post THE GIFTS OF GIVING: Reasons You Should Donate to Charity and Expert Strategies for Charitable Donations appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

Courtesy of CARE Canada

Poverty is a global issue that knows no boundaries. It affects people of all ages all over the world, and while we’ve made progress in tackling this pressing problem, things like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and conflicts like the war in Ukraine have caused setbacks that continue to push people to the brink.

According to the World Bank, around 700 million people currently live in extreme poverty, subsisting on less than $2.15 USD per day, across the globe. (The World Bank also notes that children are hit the hardest, with them being more than twice as likely to live in extreme poverty compared to adults.) In the special edition of their 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Report, the United Nations states that if current trends continue, 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030, “and only about one third of countries will meet the target to halve national poverty levels.”

While poverty affects people of all genders, between 50 and 60 per cent of the world’s extreme poor are women and girls, says Barbara Grantham, President and CEO of CARE Canada, a charity that works to save lives, end poverty and achieve social justice, with a focus on women and girls.

Exploring the Gender Gap in Poverty

“At the root of poverty is inequality, whether you look at it through a lens of gender or through a lens of income or whatever it might be,” Grantham says. The gender gap in poverty, she adds, can be boiled down to “a set of laws, norms and practices that give women less opportunity, less privilege, and reduce their right and their ability to make decisions that impact their lives.”

This inequality extends to several areas, including education, economic opportunities and health. In developing nations, for example, far fewer girls finish school than boys. “In some contexts, girls simply aren’t allowed to go to school, or it isn’t the norm that they carry on for as many years. That automatically discounts their ability to earn a livelihood over time,” Grantham says, adding that for every additional year of education a girl receives, it adds seven years of income-earning capability. 

“When family finances are tight, girls usually drop out of school first. The household chores of caring for other children or for elders usually almost always fall on the shoulders of women and girls. And so that burden of unpaid care work severely restricts their ability to earn and save money,” Grantham adds. 

“And when they do have more, at least, latent opportunity to have access to resources and to earn a livelihood, they don’t have the same access to land – there are many countries where women don’t inherit property, only men and sons inherit property – they’re not eligible for credit, they can’t receive financing, and so even the ability to earn a livelihood is much more constrained than it is for men and boys.”

In many cases, women and girls also have very limited access to sexual and reproductive health care and family planning services. They are severely restricted from making decisions over their own bodies and lives. This leads to higher rates of unintended pregnancies, children, early and forced marriage, maternal health complications, and sexually transmitted infections. (According to the Government of Canada, about 12 million girls under the age of 18 marry against their will each year, meaning there are currently over 650 million women and girls globally who married as children. They also note, “When girls marry early, they and their families are more likely to live in poverty.”)

“So the combination of those things — access to education, the ability to make health choices and decisions over their lives and their bodies, and the ability to pursue economic livelihood — really traps women and girls in particular in a pretty vicious cycle,” Grantham says. 

The Consequences of Gender Inequality

1. Healthcare Disparity

The consequences of this disparity are far reaching and long lasting, including higher rates of death and disease from not having equal or adequate access to health care.

“When food is scarce, women and girls are the first to eat last,” she also notes. The 2023 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report states that “Food insecurity is more prevalent among adult women than men in every region of the world,” with 27.8 percent of adult women in 2022 being moderately or severely food insecure compared with 25.4 per cent of men.

2. Vulnerability to Gender-based Violence

Economic dependence on men can create a cycle of poverty for women, making it difficult for them to break free from financial insecurity and achieve economic independence. 

This power imbalance puts them at risk of being exploited without the means to provide for themselves.”Economic dependence on male family members makes women and girls much more vulnerable to various forms of gender-based violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, trafficking, all of those things,” Grantham says. 

3. Intergenerational cycle of poverty

Children born to mothers who live in poverty, for instance, are more likely to experience malnutrition, poor health and have much more limited access to education, “and all of that perpetuates the cycle of poverty for those children that becomes an intergenerational cycle,” Grantham explains. 

“Women make up half the population. And when we’re not affording half the population the opportunity to be educated, to have a dignified livelihood, when they’re barred from decision making processes, when their health and safety aren’t ensured, when they’re at risk, all of the skills that they could contribute to society, all of the economic benefits that they could contribute to society – we all lose. Their families lose, their communities lose, and the bigger world. We’re losing trillions of dollars a year in human capital wealth because of gender inequality.”

One Woman Can Make a Difference

As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, we consider all the ways in which we can inspire inclusion to create a world that’s equitable for all. And when we reduce poverty and uplift women and girls to reach their full potential, everyone wins. That’s why, Grantham says, “We put women and girls at the centre of our work.” 

“The aspiration of gender equality is the focus of what we do, because we know that communities cannot overcome poverty, and we can’t achieve that social justice around the world, until all people have equal rights and opportunities.”

As a global organization, CARE works in about 100 to 110 countries in any given year (which includes life-saving humanitarian work during disaster or crisis situations). But while focusing on women and girls, CARE also works with men and boys to help turn the tide on gender inequality. “We need to engage all members of the communities where we work,” Grantham says.

Most of CARE’s projects, she adds, are focused on increasing women’s access to economic resources to support their health, their right to make choices and their safety (including supporting Village Savings and Loans Associations, where women can borrow money, start their own businesses and gain economic independence). 

“If we can invest in those three things, that gives them control and agency over their life, and it means that we can give them that pathway to a better future, not only for themselves but for their daughters and their sons and their families,” Grantham says.

Empower women and girls today

With so much happening in the world (including multiple — and often interconnected — crises involving climate change, food security and conflict), it’s hard to believe that one individual can make a difference. But when we empower women and girls, it’s the start of a sea change that can transform entire communities and create a safer, more equitable world for everyone. That’s the core message behind CARE Canada’s “One Woman Can” campaign. 

“One woman can absolutely have infinite impact: for her family, for her village, for her community. And that means investing in her education, her health, her safety and giving her opportunities for that dignified livelihood,” Grantham says.

“And when we remove the barriers to a woman being able to earn and save money, the impact that that one woman can have, because of the ripple effect across families, across communities and across generations, is measurable and real.”

Take Action!

The post Why Women Make Up a Large Part of the World’s Extreme Poor with CARE Canada appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

In the landscape of Canadian philanthropy, however, a troubling imbalance has been made clear. Recent landmark studies show that Black-led and Black-focused nonprofits face significant underfunding compared to their white-led counterparts. This critical giving gap transcends financial disparities. It highlights systemic inequities right here in our country that need our collective attention and action.

UNDERSTANDING THE FUNDING GAP 

In Canada, Black-led nonprofits are navigating a challenging terrain of financial limitations. In 2021, the groundbreaking ‘Unfunded Report‘ from the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities and Carleton University shone a revealing light on the systemic underfunding of Black-led and Black-serving charities by Canadian foundations, highlighting a profound gap in Canada’s philanthropic sector.

This dilemma is underscored by some stark statistics from the study, including the fact that less than 0.1% of all philanthropic funding in Canada is allocated to Black-led charitable organizations. 

For every $100 donated to Canadian charities, only about seven cents go to Black charities. Coupled with the fact that 63% of Black-led groups are at risk of depleting their funds within only six months, it’s easy to see how this critical underfunding poses a serious threat to the essential services and agencies that serve Black communities.

Image: Some intrepid pioneers who made Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island their home beginning in 1858. Images courtesy of City of Victoria Archives, Royal BC Museum and Archives, and Salt Spring Island Archives.

Established in February 1994, the Black-led nonprofit BC Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) has a mission includes raising awareness about the history of Black people in B.C., fostering interest in the current-day contributions of citizens of African ancestry in Canada, and recognizing their achievements in the arts, education, government, sports, science, and more. 

We spoke with Paul Schachter, Treasurer of the BCBHAS, and he shared his thoughts on the significant funding gap for Black-led charities. “I can tell you that the biggest problem we have as a Black-led and Black-focused charity is the paucity of support for core funding,” he said. “Even the recently started funding programs provide insufficient dollars to allow organizations such as ours to build capacity and sustain the level of activities to overcome past inequities in funding and support.” 

“A few thousand dollars—even tens of thousands—does not enable us to retain staff or build infrastructure to continue needed anti-racism and education work,” Schachter explained. “This type of work isn’t well supported by private donations and needs consistent commitment by institutional and governmental funding.”

Schachter explained that while BCBHAS receives some government funding via program grants, those subsidies cover just a small percentage of what they need. “While we’re grateful for some of the programmatic funding that have been recently available, the grants are time and project-limited. They don’t address the need for long-term capacity improvements.”

WHY IT MATTERS & HOW YOU CAN HELP

Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused non-profit, charitable, and grassroots missions serve as lifelines for many Black Canadian individuals and communities. These hard-working nonprofits play a central role in everything from education and mental health to housing and the preservation of Black history and culture. Yet they face barriers, including increased scrutiny, limited research, and restricted access to essential resources necessary for them to thrive.

Located on 315 acres within the African Nova Scotian community in and around Dartmouth, Akoma, is a nonprofit with a mission to create economic and social opportunities for the community. Akoma provides affordable housing and economic prospects for this vulnerable and underserved community. 

Their current plans and offerings include mixed-income homes, affordable units, commercial spaces, a seniors’ complex, a children’s care facility, a long-term seniors care facility, and even their own cemetery and funeral home. Akoma’s Executive Director, Joanna Pugh, shared some of the challenges her program faces with funding. 

“The financial landscape is hard to navigate if you’re new to the organization and don’t know possible funding sources,” Pugh explained. “The capacity of Black nonprofits in Canada to apply for funding is often a challenge, as we’re often small organizations with limited staff. It takes a considerable amount of time to apply for grants. Some of the applications are extremely detailed.”

Individuals and companies should increase their support of Black-led nonprofits, not just during Black History Month but throughout the year. “This population has been underserved and disadvantaged for over 400 years. We need more exposure,” said Pugh.

Whether through learning, donating, or sharing important causes on social media, your involvement has the power to help. Any action, no matter how small, will make a difference.

Take a tour of the Akoma property and learn more about the history of the lands. Get inspired by their plans to revitalize the community. 

“Despite facing greater barriers and funder expectations, Black, Indigenous, and racialized-led organizations are leading the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector” Imagine Canada

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT BLACK-LED NONPROFITS 

THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION

One integral way to support Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits is by taking time to learn more about the Black experience in Canada, Black History Month, and Black-led charities. Educate yourself on the central issues, vulnerable communities, and generous groups that urgently need our funding and attention. 

Part of our mission at CanadaHelps is to shine a light on Black-led charities and their stories. From groups that foster artistic expression to those that spotlight knowledge of the history, culture, traditions and achievements of Canadians of African descent, we host a diverse array of Black-focused charities that give rise to positive change. 

To learn more, explore some of our articles that dive into some of the Black-focused philanthropic groups doing amazing work: Carving Out Space for Black Artists To Incubate And Experiment, British Columbia’s Black Pioneers, and Immigration Awareness.

“Inadequate data, a lack of representation of Black communities in philanthropy, and systemic barriers, including anti-Black racism, have led to a severe underfunding of Black communities in Canada.” – Unfunded: Black Communities Overlooked by Canadian Philanthropy

YOUR CONTRIBUTION COUNTS

Black-led nonprofit organizations are at the forefront of change by highlighting racial injustice, improving education, creating job opportunities, and fostering connected communities. One of the most impactful ways you can help is by donating to Black-founded nonprofits to help narrow the funding gap. Giving even small amounts to a few Black-led charities can help empower them to continue their necessary work and directly champion causes ranging from social justice to community development. 

Including nonprofits founded and run by Black people in your philanthropic giving is a meaningful way to advance racial equity. As donors, we have the chance to build relationships with long-underfunded charities and inspire true partnerships that have a real impact in the areas we care most about.

You can also help amplify Black voices and charities by spreading the word, not just during Black History Month but throughout the year. Start sharing links to helpful articles and charities and telling friends and family about how you’re giving to Black-led nonprofits. 

Take Action!

References:

Unfunded: Black Communities Overlooked by Canadian Philanthropy 

Black organizations receive as little as 7 cents for every $100 donated to Canada’s big charities, study finds

Benchmarking equity, diversity and inclusion

The post Supporting Black-Led Nonprofits for a More Equitable Future appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

The new year is underway, and as the Manager of Social Justice, Seniors and Housing at Archway Community Services in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Megan Capp has got her work cut out for her. As the province faces a record-breaking cold snap, her team is busy organizing warming centres to protect folks from the frigid temperatures. While some parts of the country might not consider -10 or -15 degrees Celsius as cold, for a place accustomed to B.C.’s usual mild winters, it cuts like a knife.

Established in 1969, Archway is among numerous non-profits nationwide dedicated to supporting their community and neighbouring areas amidst Canada’s escalating homelessness crisis.

Image: Archway Community Services’ Montvue Shelter provides supportive housing in Abbotsford, BC

Capp, in her decade-long role, notes a significant rise in people living on the streets, at rest stops, parks, and other areas. Unlike before, the crisis now includes more people, both those experiencing homelessness for the first time and those moving from other areas. This makes it difficult to keep up with the escalating numbers.

“When I started doing this work, there was kind of a core group of people who had lived on the street for a very long time – the outreach workers and advocates knew who they were, knew what their needs were,” she adds. 

“Now what we’re seeing is this huge influx of numbers, not only from people who are falling into homelessness for the first time…but also people coming in from other municipalities. So the numbers are just increasing at a pace that we are not able to keep up with.”

The crisis has grown over the past two years particularly, she says, “and (it’s) continuing to get worse.”

Image: Archway Community Services’ Hearthstone Place provides low-barrier housing that supports those who have been homeless or are at risk of homelessness.

Surges in Homelessness: A Growing Concern

The 2023 Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) Point-in-Time (PiT) Homeless Count and Survey Regional report align with what Capp observes on the ground. Conducted on March 7-8, it found 1,094 homeless individuals—a 22% increase since 2020 and a significant 216% jump since 2014. 

In Abbotsford alone, the count identified 406 individuals, up from 333 in 2020. The report underscores a rise in homelessness surpassing the increase in available shelter beds. These challenges are nationwide. In Toronto, Fred Victor reports an all-time high of over 9,000 homeless people on any given night.

“The need is great. Our shelters are over capacity every night, and the need for food far exceeds what we can provide,” says Marie MacCormack, Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications at Fred Victor, in a news release. 

Understanding homelessness is challenging; Statistics Canada distinguishes between “absolute homelessness” and “hidden homelessness.” Pre-pandemic, an estimated 235,000 people annually experienced homelessness in Canada, but Tim Richter, President and CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, notes an explosive increase, potentially reaching 300,000 a year.

“We’re seeing 40 percent increases in chronic homelessness in some communities just since the beginning of the pandemic, and this is driven largely by the cost of living.”

What’s Fueling the Homeless Crisis?

Homelessness can affect anyone, anywhere, anytime. According to Statistics Canada, ‘Indigenous households (29.5 percent) were almost three times as likely to have experienced some form of homelessness compared to the total population,’ with recent shelter counts finding ’35 percent of respondents identify as Indigenous.’

While reasons like financial challenges, domestic abuse, and health issues are cited, Richter notes it stems from policy decisions. He adds, ‘Homelessness like we see today hasn’t always existed.’ In the 1980s and 90s, the government reduced funding for affordable housing, leading to program cuts and transferring responsibility to provinces.

“Homelessness is really a housing problem. It’s not caused by mental illness. It’s not caused by addiction. It’s not caused by any sort of individual fault or failure. If you boil it right down, it’s caused by the high cost of rent and lack of vacancy,” Richter says.

Comparing the situation to a game of musical chairs, he asks, “Was there something to do with the kids that resulted in them not winning the game? Or is the problem that there are not enough chairs?”
“It’s the same thing in housing. And (with) the lack of housing, it’s harder and harder for people to compete. And so you tend to see people with disabilities, people who are struggling with addiction, mental illness, other things, who end up getting forced out of the housing system, simply because there’s not enough housing of the right kind that’s affordable.”

Image: Tim Richter, President and CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness speaks at their 2023 Annual Conference in Halifax.

“Multiple compounding crises,” Richter adds, like the pandemic, the skyrocketing cost of living and a toxic drug supply, has made the situation much more challenging, pushing it to a critical peak. To put it in perspective, “Now, homelessness is at the same scale as Canada’s largest natural disasters, in terms of the loss of housing, the cost and the impact on people,” he says.

“Responding to that are largely charities. So charities are coming in and responding where governments and public systems have failed.”

Impacts of Homelessness on Mental Health

Charities like Archway Community Services support struggling communities through shelters like “Mom & Wayne’s Place,” named after a late Abbotsford resident. They offer supportive housing, health services, social supports, and the Homeless Prevention Program providing rent supplements for those at risk of homelessness.

Charities have limits, and needs often surpass capacity. Living unhoused exacerbates mental health issues, impacting both individuals and those working with vulnerable populations.

“Homelessness will compound and deteriorate mental health and addiction. Because recovery is not possible when you’re living in survival mode…But if you think about frontline workers as well, what we see is just so much grief and stress and hopelessness,” Richter says. 

“The workforce has been terribly battered. A lot of people working in ending homelessness aren’t too far off homelessness themselves…you’re seeing huge amounts of burnout, stress, problematic psychological impacts on people and huge amounts of turnover.”

The Solvable Problem: A Call to Action

Ultimately, Richter states that homelessness is a “solvable problem.” Providing more housing that is affordable and specifically designed for renting, along with well-coordinated efforts at the local level, can remedy it.

“I’m in Calgary and in 2013, we had this huge flood and 75,000 households were forced out of their homes due to the flood, many temporarily – but nobody’s still homeless as a result of that. We need that same kind of effort…I call homelessness an unnatural disaster. It’s solvable in a lot of the same ways that we would respond to a natural disaster, whether it’s fire or flood or famine. The only difference really is the mechanism of the loss of housing,” he says. 

Fortunately, he notes that charities and organizations are making progress under challenging circumstances. While ending homelessness requires policy change, supporting frontline organizations is crucial, and every contribution matters.

“They need those gifts no matter how modest they may be. Everything helps.”

Collaboration across organizations, sectors, and communities is key, according to Capp. She urges people to understand local efforts, recommending aligning with existing organizations to make a meaningful impact, saying

“This issue is complex, and to make an impact that reduces homelessness, we need a holistic, systems-wide and systems-connected approach. We require a lot of various interventions at different levels, ranging from childhood all the way up to seniors. We just need to think about this in a bigger-picture, more complex way than we often do.” 

Contributions of any size are crucial for frontline organizations. Get involved with charities addressing homelessness at its roots, including advocating for government-level changes. With empathy, kindness, and generosity, collective efforts can bring about positive change in our communities.

The post A Closer Look at Canada’s Homelessness Crisis appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

Skip to View The Full 2023 Year End Report Card here

Key Trends We’ve Noticed on How Canadians Give

Picture this: in a year that has tested our collective resilience, Canadians have stepped up to the plate with a whopping $318 million in donations on CanadaHelps.org as of December 3, 2023. With a -2% dip from last year due to the increasing impacts of inflation. This year, we noticed two key trends: Canadians opting for Subscription-based giving and securities donations more than ever in 2023.

Imagine managing your charity contributions with the same convenience as your Netflix subscriptions, making it easy to streamline your budgeting process and make a positive impact more efficiently. Monthly giving, has surged by 11% year-over-year, hitting $39.5 million to charities across Canada. Pattie Lovett-Reid, a financial expert and CanadaHelps brand ambassador, rightly points out that this isn’t just generosity; it’s strategic giving. Monthly donations allow us to budget our charity love throughout the year, ensuring sustained support for the causes we hold dear.

And let’s not forget – securities donations! The donation proceeds from this giving tactic skyrocketed by 26%, proving once and for all that doing good can also be financially savvy. Saving you capital gains tax, while doing good for causes that matter to you.

Unveiling Canada’s Most Generous City in 2023

As of November 30th, Centre Wellington, Ontario, is Canada’s Most Generous City! A standing ovation for this community where 6.11% of the population, amidst 31,000, embraced the power of giving. Collingwood, St. John’s, Fort Erie, and Whitehorse, all followed closely behind as Canada’s Most Generous Cities.

18 Days Left in 2023 – Where Do Canadians Go From Here?

This year especially, we’ve seen an increase in how much Canadians collectively donated AND a steep increase in the number of Canadians turning to charities for essential services.

Duke Chang, Our President and Chief Executive Officer at CanadaHelps, highlights the challenge of this situation citing, “where more Canadians are turning to charitable services, nearly two in ten are contemplating giving less due to the same high cost of living issue.” There is a growing gap in charities being able to sustain the demand for their services. While some Canadians need to pair back on their donation budgets, we encourage those who have the ability to do so, to consider generously supporting causes that they care about. Especially with a rising number of Canadians turning to charitable services.
 
Now, here comes the part where we turn the spotlight on YOU – the everyday heroes who can make a difference. In the spirit of the season, CanadaHelps continues to highlight “12 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season”. It’s not just about dollars; it’s about creativity, joy, and making a positive impact. Charity Gift Cards, Launching a Fundraiser, Monthly Giving – there’s a whole sleigh of options to choose from.

So, let’s spread joy, open our hearts, and embrace the holiday spirit. Happy giving, Canada!

Which of these insights did you find most surprising?

Share with us and click below to view the entire CanadaHelps 2023 Year End Report Card infographic.

*Note: This blog has been updated! We previously listed our 2022 Report Card Here and have updated the content to showcase results for the year 2023.

The post A Year in Review: Together we made an impact with Canadian Charities in 2023 appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

The impacts of rising inflation has been felt by Canadians and charities alike. This includes the reduced capacity of donors to give and the challenges faced by charities in operating at pre-pandemic levels. This has lead many to adjust their charitable giving budgets or discover other ways to give back like engaging in social advocacy to show support to those facing injustices in their communities.

A CanadaHelps commissioned Ipsos poll that was published late last year that found that 19% of Canadians plan to reduce their giving in 2023. At the same time 24% of Canadians say they expect to need support from charitable services within the next six months to meet essential needs such as food, shelter, or health services. A rising cost of inflation is the primary cause and charities are left to fill in the gaps of inadequate government services. Yet, there are still many Canadians that have giving top of mind and want to give more as stated by 13% of Canadians in the same survey.

1. Act of Kindness

GivingTuesday onwards to the Holidays is all about spreading kindness and doing what we can to uplift one another and the communities around us. A simple act of kindness can do wonders for someone’s day, and it’s so easy to do. Pay for the stranger’s meal or coffee behind you in line, leave a little something special for delivery workers dropping off packages at your door, or leave a kind note out for someone to find. Let’s hope that the recipient keeps the good deeds rolling too!

2. Set up a monthly donation

As much as an act of kindness is appreciated, so many communities across Canada are in dire need of support year-round. If it is within your means, the best way to support your community is with a monthly donation to a local charity. Monthly donations help charities plan ahead and ensure that they have funding throughout the year, while also helping donors keep track of budgeting and their charitable giving throughout the year.

3. Donate winter must-haves like coats, blankets, and socks

It is well-known that Canadian winters are no joke! Across the country, temperatures range from 5 to -15°C and can drop as low as -30 to -40°C during the winter months.¹

Unfortunately, many Canadians are unprepared for the harsh cold weather. An easy way to give is by digging deep into your closet and donating any gently used warm clothing to those in need. Warm winter coats are one of the most needed items to survive Canadian winters. Consider charities that support refugees as they will be prepping for their first winter, or donate them to homeless shelters. Find charities accepting clothing donations near you.

4. Send your loved ones a Charity Gift Card

The holiday season is always challenging when you have a hard-to-buy-for loved one. We have all found ourselves struggling to pinpoint the perfect gift for someone who doesn’t seem to need anything. This year, consider a Charity Gift Card! CanadaHelps Charity Gift Cards are convenient, quick, and easy feel-good gifts that encourage people in your circle to give back to the community. The purchaser is able to pick the value, design and can choose to send a personalized message with their gift. It is the perfect gift to send someone far away or a great stocking stuffer if you are looking to teach kids about charitable giving during the holidays! Plus, the purchaser gets a tax receipt for the Charity Gift Card and the recipient can give to a charity they love, or pick a charitable gift in our gift guide.

5. Volunteer at your favourite charity 

The gift of time is another valuable way to give. Charities are busy during this time of year and many would be happy to benefit from your time and talent.  Whether the cause closest to your heart is ending homelessness, improving mental health, or advancing health care, find a way to get your boots on the ground and directly help those in need. Find a volunteer centre near you to connect with volunteer opportunities in your community or at your favourite charities.

6. Donate blood 

One of the most needed but overlooked ways to give is by donating blood. In 2021, Canadian Blood Services faced a dangerously low supply of all blood types, and in June 2022, it reached its smallest donor base in a decade.² Those who are  O negative (the universal blood type) are highly encouraged to donate blood if they are able as this donation can be used by anyone who is in need of blood. Blood donations are essential to our healthcare system and save countless lives. Visit Canadian Blood Services to schedule an appointment.

7. Donate to a charity on CanadaHelps

Every year, GivingTuesday jumpstarts the giving season, an essential time for charities. In August, CanadaHelps surveyed Canada’s small charities and found that 41% of small charities saw an increase in demand for their services at the start of the pandemic, but demand has returned to pre-pandemic levels for only 5% of small charities. It has become clear that many of Canada’s charities, especially small charities, are struggling to continue the important work they do.

Many charities generate a large portion of their donations for the year during this time, allowing them to make an impact year-round. Last year, generous Canadians came together to raise $13 million dollars via CanadaHelps, and this year with your help, we hope to exceed that. Find your favourite charity to donate to among the 86,000 registered charities on CanadaHelps.org.

8. Support multiple charities with a single donation on Unite for Change

For those who have a favourite cause but may not know of a specific charity focused on that cause, look to Unite for Change to help.

Launched in November 2021 and powered by CanadaHelps, Cause Funds on Unite for Change are an innovative way to give a single donation that will make a broad and lasting impact by supporting a group of registered charities working towards the same cause. This year, some of our most popular Cause Funds were the Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund, Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Fund, and End Hunger Fund.If you can, dig deep in your kitchen to clean out those cupboards and take non-perishables to a local food bank. If you have non-perishables like pasta, tuna, rice, or peanut butter, we encourage you to find a local food bank to donate them to.

9. Donate food to your local food bank

Now more than ever, food banks are in need of support as inflation has brought up food costs. Many Canadians are turning to food banks for support as the cost of living continues to rise. According to Food Banks Canada, food bank usage was at the highest levels in Canadian history in 2023. If you can, dig deep in your kitchen to clean out those cupboards and take non-perishables to a local food bank. If you have non-perishables like pasta, tuna, rice, or peanut butter, we encourage you to find a local food bank to donate them to.  Alternatively, you can make a donation to a food bank or food program that allows  theses charities to serve the growing number of Canadians that rely on them.

10. Donate new toys and books for children

Unfortunately, too many children won’t have a new gift wrapped under the tree this year — a reality facing so many families who can’t afford gifts in their budget. As holiday shopping begins, consider adding a few additional toys and books to your holiday shopping list. Many local charities such as churches look for donations of new toys and books to wrap up and give to children. Take a look at Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain to see if they are accepting toy donations near you this holiday season.

11. Donate Securities

 In the midst of all your holiday planning, don’t forget your finances! If you are an investor, one of the most strategic ways to give is by giving securities or mutual funds this holiday season to reap the tax benefits. Canadians who make a donation of securities prior to December 8th for mutual funds and December 16th for all other securities get a 2023 tax receipt and when donating securities or mutual funds, you don’t pay the capital gains tax, meaning your donation can make an even bigger difference!

12. Connect with your community with a personal fundraiser

The holiday season is all about coming together to show gratitude and love towards one another. So what better way to embody the holiday spirit than to launch a fundraiser? Gather your community, school, family and friends to make a big difference for those in need this year.

Fundraisers are a great way to celebrate birthdays, weddings, holiday parties, personal challenges, and more! This holiday season, make coming together more meaningful by rounding up your loved ones to make a difference. Setting up a fundraiser on CanadaHelps.org is simple and easy. Organizers and donors can benefit from features like instant charitable tax receipts, donations going directly to the charity, zero cost to organizers and donors, plus the security of working with a trusted charity.

This Holiday Season, there are many ways we can give to communities in need. Financial gifts are always appreciated, but oftentimes we overlook the ways in which we can spread kindness with simple actions. At CanadaHelps, we encourage everyone to come together to do what they can to make a difference on a day that is all about giving back. 

So many Canadians across the country are struggling in the face of inflation and pandemic recovery, but with your help, we can lift some of that strain. Let’s come together in support of one another to make a big difference. CanadaHelps is here to support charities and Canadians as we move through the giving season to ensure all Canadians have a happy holiday season! Tweet, post, or comment below with your favourite way to give and don’t forget to tag us on social. 

References

1 RBC Ventures Inc. website, ArriveIn, 2022, https://arrivein.com/daily-life-in-canada/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-winter-in-canada/#:~:text=Canadian%20winters%20can%20be%20freezing,common%20in%20November%20and%20December.

2 Blood.ca, Canadian Blood Services, June. 2022, https://www.blood.ca/en/about-us/media/newsroom/number-blood-donors-plummets-during-covid-19-lowest-point-decade 

The post 12 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

This blog article is in conversation with Onome Ako,

CEO of Action Against Hunger Canada.

As the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa grows and emergency funding falls short, the work of Action Against Hunger Canada is more important than ever.

Flying to the Somali Region of Ethiopia last year, Onome Ako, CEO of Action Against Hunger Canada, got a first-hand glimpse into the devastating drought that’s been plaguing millions of people in East Africa for years. The images are burned into her mind.

“There were dry riverbeds everywhere, carcasses of animals spread out as well…we were actually trying to make out the dead animals, you know, is this a goat, or is this a camel, or what is this?” she recalls.

© Lameck Ododo for Action Against Hunger.

“I visited a camp that had about 4,000 men, women and children in it…Normally, you will see a camp that has been set up because of conflict or a fast-onset disaster. But in this case, you had a camp created from a long-term drought as a result of the ongoing climate crisis,” she adds.

“I was thinking what would have been in a family’s mind as they left their belongings, their animals, to go in search of basic needs like water or food.”

© Cyril Zannettacci for Action Against Hunger.

In June of 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the drought in the Horn of Africa (the worst in four decades) as a Grade 3 emergency, the agency’s highest crisis ranking. This past February, with the release of their 2023 Hunger Funding Gap Report, Action Against Hunger warned of a potential sixth failed rainy season.

What’s Causing the Hunger Crisis in East Africa?

Extreme drought has decimated crops and livestock, leading to severe and widespread food and water shortages, while unclean drinking water has caused countless people to fall ill with cholera, diarrhea and other waterborne diseases. For those areas that have been fortunate enough to receive rain, flash floods have washed away any crops that are left, further devastating livelihoods.

Climate change and its wide-reaching effects are just one of the causes of the worst hunger crisis seen in 40 years in the Horn of Africa, affecting about 32 million people. And it shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. The past three years have been particularly difficult, Ako says, especially in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, with about 4.9 million children that are severely malnourished. In Somalia alone, she says, Action Against Hunger has seen a 50 per cent increase in malnutrition admissions at their health centres since 2021.

© Abel Gichuru for Action Against Hunger.

“In the whole of East Africa, you have about 15 million boys and girls that are already out of school, also as a result of the hunger crisis,” she adds.

Further exacerbating the crisis is the profound socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing internal conflict and instability throughout the region, Ako says, which has been disrupting farming and making it challenging to deliver humanitarian aid. In Sudan, for example, some 250,000 people have had to flee to neighbouring countries like Ethiopia and South Sudan, “where food insecurity is already high,” she says. “So it’s kind of a challenge on top of a challenge.”

© Action Against Hunger.

And then there’s the conflict in Ukraine, which has swiftly sent food and energy prices soaring. Over 40 per cent of the wheat that’s used in Africa comes from Ukraine, Ako says, “So staples like bread just skyrocketed. And fuel prices as well have had a major impact on transportation costs, on fertilizers, on shipping, making it more expensive for people to afford meals to meet their basic needs.”

Long-Term Solutions Equal Long-Term Resilience

The hunger crisis is a huge and complicated issue with no simple solution. And with emergency funding falling far short of where it needs to be, the work of Action Against Hunger Canada is becoming increasingly vital. Their Hunger Funding Gap Report notes: “None of the four countries in the Horn of Africa that we analyzed had UN appeals for hunger funding fulfilled in 2022, even though a growing number of people are on the brink of famine.”

Active in the Horn of Africa for over 40 years (including Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda), the organization has deep roots within the region, Ako says, “and we have our colleagues who are actually from the communities that we work in, and they’ve developed a relationship of trust.”

Fight hunger by starting at the root cause

With a mission to fight hunger and its root causes worldwide, the organization has taken a multi-pronged approach in East Africa, with a primary focus on saving lives, Ako says, especially in emergency situations. This includes detecting and treating malnourished children, providing essential medicines and vaccines at health centres and mobile health units, providing water through borehole and water pump rehabilitation, as well as hygiene and water purification kits to help prevent disease outbreaks. They also provide psychosocial supports to communities and direct cash transfers to farmers, small businesses and families, “because cash also brings about the ability to make a choice and brings dignity to individuals,” Ako says.

© Abel Gichuru for Action Against Hunger.

Community Building is at the core of solving the hunger crisis

Rather than a band-aid approach, Action Against Hunger Canada works together with communities to identify solutions, which can include equipping communities with tools, skills and knowledge to help them build long-term resilience in the face of the hunger crisis. This has taken the form of everything from livelihood support, small-scale irrigation, certified seeds and livestock provision, to providing or introducing climate-resilient agricultural techniques and technology like solar powered irrigation systems.

As women eat least and last in many of the communities they work in, Ako adds, the organization also does advocacy around gender equity and equality, and works with communities to promote financial inclusion and abandon harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage – ensuring their programs are established within existing systems in communities where they work.

© Action Against Hunger.

This community-centred approach, Ako says, which prioritizes engaging and working with communities to identify their needs, is paramount to their work. For example, one of Action Against Hunger’s initiatives supplied a group of women with a breed of goat that could withstand hot climates.

“The women actually came up with an idea of starting a business, and we supported with seed funding. So through the business, the goats provided nutritious milk for the families, they were able to sell it, they were able to earn extra income, they were able to buy essential things that they needed, as well as send their children to school,” she says.

“We rely on the local communities we work with. We work hand in hand with them, because they also know the challenges that they’re facing and we rely on the local knowledge that they bring and on coming up with long-term solutions that are right for their community.”

Anchored in Hope

Of course, donor contributions have been crucial to Action Against Hunger Canada’s work and mission. As the saying goes, it takes a village.

“I’m really grateful for the contributions that we get at Action Against Hunger, because there are so many organizations that donors give to,” Ako says.

These donations have helped save millions of lives by allowing the organization to act swiftly in providing urgent treatment and intervention, and helping them treat malnutrition and provide essential nutrition for children, medical care, shelter and water.

©Action Against Hunger.

“Donations from Canadians will help people survive in crisis. It will help them rebuild their lives. And most importantly, it will help them thrive within their communities,” Ako says.

The Hunger Funding Gap Report states that “It would take $4 billion to fully fund the hunger-related appeals of the 13 countries in this report,” which includes Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan.

“This can be raised because this is basically a quarter of what the American public bets on the Super Bowl. It’s the estimated cost of the 2030 Winter Olympics,” Ako says.

“So it’s doable, if we have the will to do it.”

© Lameck Ododo for Action Against Hunger.

In the face of a seemingly impossible situation, Ako remains positive. A big part of that comes from what she’s seen from local people on the ground in the communities where they work. For example, she recalls a woman who offered up her land to be used as a demonstration farm for the benefit of others. She’s been touched by people’s spirit of generosity and kindness.

Whether it’s Canada, Kenya or Côte d’Ivoire, Ako says, a common thread is people’s incredible strength and resilience. “It’s their never-ending resolve to support their families, their communities, despite everything that they go through,” she says.

“Out of nothing, individuals continue to give and I think for me, it just reminds me that despite everything, hope is always possible.”

The post Unravelling the Development of the East Africa Hunger Crisis appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

1. Create an Account/ Log in.

If you don’t already have a CanadaHelps account, sign up for free or Log-in. Once you’re logged in, you can start creating your fundraising page

2. Search for a registered Canadian charity or multiple charities to support.

Type the charity name in the search box or search by category, location, or scope. You can also add multiple charities to your fundraiser. While there is no limit to the number of charities you add to your fundraiser, consider limiting the total number to eight and keeping the mission and causes of the charities the same, for example, charities supporting animals, the environment, or food bank charities.

3. Select the Fundraiser Type.

CanadaHelps offers various types of fundraisers, such as Anniversary, Birthday, In memory of, and more. This will help us categorize your fundraiser correctly from our “Find a Fundraiser” page.

4. Enter the title of your fundraiser.

Make it descriptive, fun, and urgent!

5. Set the Fundraiser Start and End dates.

A shorter fundraising period can help create a sense of urgency – we recommend a minimum of two weeks lead time to your big event! CanadaHelps fundraisers will end at 3:00 a.m. EST on the date selected, so keep that in mind when selecting the end date. For example, if you want your fundraiser to end on November 28, select the November 29 as the official end date or else you risk your fundraiser being removed from our site too early.

6. Set your fundraising goal!

An ambitious goal acts as a motivator – whereas a more “realistic” goal can encourage your loved ones to help you hit your target in a shorter period of time. The average fundraiser on CanadaHelps raises between $2,000 to $3,000 dollars. The more supporters you can garner, the easier it will be to reach your goal!

Choose to make donations visible to all page visitors. Seeing that donations have already been made will inspire giving from other supporters, so we recommend selecting this function. Make the first donation to your fundraiser to get the ball rolling. You’ll show your commitment to the cause and inspire others to contribute, too.

7. Tell your fundraising story.

Connect with your supporters by letting them know the goals and inspiration behind setting up your fundraiser.  Explain what you’re raising money for and why it matters to you, and encourage potential donors to help you reach your goal! Next summarize, Provide a short description of your fundraiser. This will be displayed when friends or family search for your fundraiser. (Maximum 140 characters)

8. Save your page and updates.

You’ve made it to the bottom of the page. Click the button “Create Fundraising Page” – just a few finishing touches to go!

9. Upload Media. Set a Featured Image, media gallery, and include an optional video link.

Make your page more impactful by including a featured image that relates to the reason for your fundraising or the cause. Nothing engages visitors more than pictures and videos. Share all relevant images. If you have a video link from YouTube or Vimeo that helps tell your story or inspires others to give to your cause, add it here! For best results, we recommend that you upload 1 to 4 images and videos to your gallery.

10. Share your fundraiser with others.

Once your campaign is set up, it’s time to get the word out and let people know about it! Use your custom page link to share your fundraiser through email and social media! Tag CanadaHelps on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @Canadahelps! If your charity is on social media, make sure to mention them by tagging them, as they may be able to help you share your fundraiser with their supporters, too!

Congratulations! You’re well on your way to a successful fundraising that will have a huge impact on your chosen charities! You can access and edit your fundraiser at any time through your CanadaHelps dashboard! 

Be sure to thank your supporters by sending personalized thank-you messages throughout your campaign via email and social media! Remember to monitor the progress of your fundraiser through your CanadaHelps dashboard. Periodically review and update your fundraiser to keep it fresh and engaging. You’ll be able to see who has donated and how close you are to reaching your goal. You can extend the fundraiser’s end date or adjust the goal if needed.

Once your fundraiser is completed, CanadaHelps will send the funds directly to the designated charity or charities. You won’t have to handle the funds yourself.

Wishing you abundant success in your fundraising mission! We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable support towards Canada’s charitable causes, showcasing a remarkable spirit of generosity. 

Ready to embark on your fundraising journey? Get started now:

Create My Fundraiser

The post Ready, Set, Fundraise: How to Launch a CanadaHelps Fundraiser in Minutes appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

With CanadaHelps’ Fundraising Pages, it’s easy to turn every day into a unique fundraising opportunity. Explore these useful fundraising tips and get started on your philanthropic journey!

1. Special Occasions

Our family and friends help us mark our special occasions and achievements in life, and oftentimes, they want to show how much they care with a gift. But instead of a new material item for you or your child for a birthday, wedding, graduation, baby shower, or anniversary, you can ask for a gift that keeps on giving: the gift of a charitable donation. 

Our Fundraising Pages work much like a gift registry. You select the charities to support based on your interests and passions, and your loved ones can make donations in lieu of gifts. However, unlike a gift registry, there are no pre-determined gift prices, so your guests can give whatever amount they feel most comfortable with. And since they’ll receive a tax receipt, they may be able to give more.

2. In Honour of a Loved One

When faced with life-altering events like illness or the loss of a loved one, many discover the remarkable impact of charitable organizations. Honouring someone’s memory and acknowledging the support they received, raising funds and awareness for a cause can bring a deep sense of fulfillment. It is also a beautiful way to celebrate and continue the legacy of a loved one with shared values.

3. Personal Challenges

By making a personal sacrifice or overcoming a challenge, you demonstrate your passion for a cause – and passion can be contagious! Shave your head in solidarity with those who have lost their hair from an illness; push your physical limits by climbing a mountain, swimming a lake, or biking across the country; or try to break a world record. If you’re not the outdoorsy type, try giving up your favourite dessert or going vegetarian for a significant period of time. There is truly no feat too big or small when it’s for a good cause.

Get your children involved by setting challenges that suit their age and ability. Can they commit to reading a certain number of books in a month to raise money for a literacy organization, or will they pick up garbage in a local park to raise money for an environmental group?

The flexibility of a Fundraising Page allows you to use your strengths – whatever they may be – to encourage giving back within your community.

4. Team Challenges

Fundraising with friends, family, and colleagues is an opportunity to create memories and have fun doing it – all for a good cause! Whether it’s bowling, a virtual game night, or a challenge to see who can walk the most steps in a week, gather your friends for some friendly competition where all participants pledge donations to your fundraiser!

5. Holiday Gifts

Holidays are an ideal time to launch a fundraiser, as they align with the spirit of giving and generosity that define almost all traditional, cultural, and religious holidays. Show support for your favourite charity by raising donations for them during the holiday season, when they need it most! By participating in your fundraiser, not only will your loved ones support you with a gift that doesn’t require wrapping and postage, but they will also be helping charities achieve their goals before the end of the year. It’s a win-win situation that spreads joy and makes a difference in the world!

Ready to embark on your fundraising journey? Get started in just a few easy steps with CanadaHelps

Start Fundraising

The post Get Started: Simple & Easy Fundraising Ideas appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.

Powerful earthquakes impact two countries

In the early morning of February 6, 2023, millions of people in Türkiye and Syria awoke in fear as the world around them shook violently. The buildings where many of them slept—and life as they knew it – had collapsed.

Two of the most powerful earthquakes in over a century rocked the region, followed by thousands of aftershocks. In the immediate aftermath, family members, neighbours, and emergency workers sifted through the rubble in search of survivors.

Only weeks later, another earthquake struck the same region, causing more buildings to collapse, more fatalities and injuries that further disrupted healthcare services, and forced more evacuations.

The Turkish Red Crescent and Syrian Arab Red Crescent were on the ground in the aftermath of the earthquakes, supporting search and rescue efforts, medical transportation, and shelter needs in the first hours and days. Photo: Turkish Red Crescent

Disaster on top of disaster

In Syria, the humanitarian situation is especially dire, with more than 90 percent of people living in poverty. The country is now in its 13th year of armed conflict. People in Syria already faced economic deterioration, COVID-19, cholera, unfavourable winter conditions and now earthquakes, leaving people in even greater need of humanitarian assistance.

Across the border, Türkiye hosts over 3.6 million Syrian refugees, half of who have been affected by the earthquake. Flooding has also impacted some of the earthquake-stricken regions.

Water and sanitation infrastructure was also heavily damaged by the earthquakes. In Syria, the lack of water and sanitation facilities, combined with overcrowded collective shelters, has accelerated the spread of diarrhea and other infectious diseases to a concerning level.

Local action with global resources

In both countries, local Red Crescent branches mobilized moments after the first earthquake hit. The Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent worked around the clock to help search for survivors and transport injured people to medical facilities. Even with their dedicated efforts, the needs of those affected continued to soar.

When local Red Cross Red Crescent Societies become overwhelmed by the needs following an emergency, partners like the Canadian Red Cross are ready to take action when a call for help arrives.

The Red Cross Red Crescent is the largest humanitarian aid organization in the world, comprised of 192 National Societies. Working with our partner National Societies, we can reach remote and cut-off regions where many other agencies are not granted access, including in Syria. Together as the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, we have unparalleled access to providing lifesaving humanitarian aid.

This is how the generous donations from people across Canada help those in need in Türkiye and Syria.

As international support began to arrive in Türkiye and Syria, including that of the Canadian Red Cross, local Red Cross and Red Crescent branches were able to scale up their response.

Türkiye:

The Turkish Red Crescent has mobilized thousands of personnel to respond to the crisis across 11 affected provinces. This includes distributing over 300 million hot meals, as well as clean water, food, and cooking supplies. Closely coordinating with health authorities, the Turkish Red Crescent provides healthcare through mobile clinics in hard-hit rural areas and temporary shelters. Where markets function, the Turkish Red Crescent distributes more than 140,000 cash vouchers and supported 600,000 people with multi-purpose cash assistance, helping give those impacted the freedom and control to meet their needs in the way they prefer. Teams have supported more than 113,000 people with mental health and psychosocial support services, including setting up child-friendly spaces.

A SARC Mobile Health Unit provides free health consultations and medications in hard-hit communities like the Al Beidin area of Aleppo. Photo: Norwegian Red Cross.

Syria:

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent is working to help people impacted by the earthquakes in the Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartous governorates and has mobilized 4,000 personnel to respond. Teams have distributed more than 3.2 million relief items. Teams have provided more than 1.1 million people with healthcare and medicines through mobile health units, mental health teams, physical rehabilitation programs and clinics.

Canadian Red Cross support:

With thanks to the generosity of people in Canada and the Government of Canada, as of April 30, 2023, the Canadian Red Cross shipped thousands of relief items, including family tents, blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, and tarpaulins from our international warehouses; deployed 13 humanitarian experts in areas such as operations management, health and shelter; and contributed funding for winterized tents, medications, cholera kits, cash assistance, psychosocial support, and many other initiatives.

A Long Road to Recovery

The Turkish Red Crescent has deployed more than 5,000 staff and volunteers in 11 affected provinces with stocks of essential aid items. The materials supported those injured and evacuated, providing critical psychosocial support to people in distress, child-friendly spaces and distributing millions of hot meals to people displaced and living in emergency shelters. Photo: Turkish Red Crescent.

Four months after the earthquakes hit Türkiye and Syria, the most urgent needs continue to be shelter, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, food, and access to mental health and psychosocial support.

The earthquakes have caused severe disruptions to sanitation and access to safe water, and restoring these essential services will be crucial to prevent outbreaks of illness.

Today, Red Cross Red Crescent personnel, including humanitarian experts from the Canadian Red Cross, continue to support those affected in these incredibly challenging circumstances. For the survivors, the journey to recovery has only just begun, but because of the generosity of donors to the Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria Appeal, we can continue to be by their side.

You can help by making a donation in support of the Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria Appeal today. Visit www.redcross.ca to learn more.

The post Behind the Scenes: Earthquake Disaster Responses appeared first on CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada.