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Proactive Disclosure

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Sichuan: After the Earthquake

Spotlight

Canadians Making a Difference in Post-Earthquake Sichuan Relief and Recovery (2009-05-12)

Canadian Red Cross-One of the Largest Contributors to the Sichuan Earthquake Relief and Recovery Efforts

In total, CIDA committed over $31 million
Donations made by the Canadian public: $30 million

Introduction
Partners
Project Details
Related Sites

Introduction

Canada was quick to respond when an earthquake struck the Chinese province of Sichuan on May 12, 2008. On May 15, 2008, Minister Oda announced that the Government of Canada would match dollar for dollar the contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations in support of relief and recovery efforts in response to the earthquake in Sichuan Province, China. As a result of this commitment, the Government of Canada contributed nearly $30M to the Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) allocated these funds to established Canadian and international humanitarian organizations who have undertaken relief and recovery efforts in China.

Worker unpacking tents © International Federation of the Red Cross

Immediately following the disaster caused by the May 12, 2008, earthquake centered in Sichuan, China, the Canadian Red Cross delivered tents such as these from CIDA's stockpile of emergency relief supplies.

In total, the Canadian International Development Agency committed over $31 million to help the people of China affected by the 12 May Sichuan earthquake. This includes Canada's initial commitment of $1 million, made on May 16^th, to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), the subsequent in-kind contribution of 700 tents announced June 2^nd, and the $29,943,477 commitment from the Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) also contributed $3 million as part of a collaborative $8 million project between the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia. The project helps provide temporary and permanent wood-frame buildings to help survivors of the earthquake in China.

Map of China showing location of Sichuan province © ACDI-CIDA

Partners

Below is a sample of partners that received CIDA funding and some of their results to date:

International Federation of the Red Cross/Crescent (IFRC): $17,356,091

With support from donors like Canada, the IFRC provided:

101,634 tents, 100,000 hygiene kits and 300,000 quilts throughout Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi;
6 medical teams and a water/sanitation emergency response unit.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): $4 million

With support from donors like Canada, UNICEF provided the following:

Emergency water and sanitation supplies, including 20 portable water treatment units for 200,000 people, bleaching powder, water purification tablets and units for 2 million people, mobile toilets, and family hygiene kits;
Nutrition commodities including micronutrient supplements, vitamin A capsules, and prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements for 125,550 children and 41,150 women;
1,200 classroom tents, 60,000 student kits, and 2,000 teacher kits, helping some 60,000 children in the worst-hit areas return to a safe schooling environment;
40 child-friendly spaces and integrated psychological support and protection services in a safe and healing environment for 42,000 children.

World Vision Canada: $3 million

With CIDA support, World Vision provided the following:

1,560 tents benefiting 6,240 people affected by the earthquake;
5,005 family kits (composed of a stove, cooking pot, gas cylinder, and other necessary accessories) have been distributed to 20,020 beneficiaries or 5,005 households;
386 school shelter kits which have served as classrooms, student dormitories and teachers residences, benefiting 18,958 students;
49,743 units of education supplies (including quilts, warm clothing, mattresses and sports equipment) have been distributed to 86,475 beneficiaries.

Save the Children Canada (SCC): $651,184

Save the Children, with assistance from CIDA, has increased access to education and psychological support by providing:

Improved education via distribution of school supplies and provision of temporary schools for 11,579 students;
Access to care, opportunities for development and psycho-social support through transitional school buildings for 1,470 kindergarten children.

Project Details

(Project Browser)