Government extends Syrian relief matching commitment to Feb. 29

Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of international development and la Francophonie, announced on Jan. 7 that the government of Canada is extending its commitment to match every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians in response to the Syrian crisis, through the Syria Emergency Relief Fund, to Feb. 29.

“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,” Bibeau said in a press release.

David Morley, UNICEF Canada’s president and CEO took part in the announcement.

“This extension mirrors the good will and pride felt across the country in support of the 25,000 arriving Syrian refugees and allows us to build on this momentum and continue to reach out to generous Canadians to support relief efforts in Syria and the region,” Morley said in a press release.

“This conflict has forced more than half of all Syrians to leave their homes and more than 17 million people are in need of support in Syria and in neighbouring countries – including more than eight million children.”