Ottawa - Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops Thompson Cariboo today reminded all constituents that there are only two days remaining to make a donation to the East Africa Drought Relief Fund.

“I want to remind everyone that, for every dollar individual Canadians donate until September 16 to an eligible registered Canadian charity responding to the drought in East Africa, the Government will contribute the equivalent amount to the Relief Fund,” stated McLeod.

The East African drought is the worst in over 60 years, with more than 13 million people needing humanitarian assistance in Djibouti, Ethopia, Kenya and Somalia.  In response, the Government on July 22 announced funding of $50 million to respond to the drought.  This pledge followed the $22.35 million provided by Canada earlier this year for humanitarian assistance in this region, bringing Canada’s support to date to $72.35 million.

“I want to assure everyone that we are working with experienced partners in the region to ensure Canadian aid delivers results such as providing access to food, safe drinking water as well as emergency health care, including disease control,” said McLeod.  “The Government will administer the Relief Fund separately, through CIDA, disbursing the funds to organizations best suited to make an effective and real difference in the lives of people affected by the drought.”

“I urge constituents who have not donated to help the people of East Africa who are suffering and facing death because of this drought, to donate today. For those  needing more information about the East Africa Drought Relief Fund, including information on humanitarian partners, please visit CIDA’s web page,” concluded McLeod.