Canada to match donations made by its citizens to typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines - Canada on Monday called on its citizens to donate to victims of typhoon Yolanda, as every dollar given to the cause will be matched by the Canadian government.

"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,” Canada’s Minister of International Development Christian Paradis said.

Paradis earlier announced a $5-million donation on Saturday for humanitarian organizations involved in the relief operations. Canada has also allocated $30,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross to help meet the needs of the typhoon victims. The matching fund is on top of the earlier donations.

"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," Paradis said. 

"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,” he added.