CCFC receives nearly $1 million from DFATD for Philippines support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARKHAM (April  9, 2014) Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC) has received a $950,000 grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) Canada to support education and food security for children and families affected by Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines in November 2013.

Mark Lukowski, Chief Executive Officer, Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, said, “Children in the Philippines are in dire need of safe and protective learning environments as they recover from the impact of the typhoon. At the same time, parents need support for their livelihoods so that they can provide security and adequate shelter for their children. I am grateful to the Government of Canada for investing in CCFC’s Philippines restoration effort.”

Dr. Philip Tanner, CCFC's Director of International Programs, said, “With this grant, 7,200 children will have access to education. Food security will be restored to 10,000 people. Two hundred and twenty-four educators will be trained, and 360 local people will be instructed on child protection mechanisms and services related to the prevention of child abuse and gender-based violence.”

CCFC is implementing its relief projects in partnership with ChildFund Philippines and a local partner, Hayag Family Development Center. The local partner will mobilize community members and coordinate with local government departments.

The Government of Canada has a longstanding partnership with CCFC and continues to support the organization’s efforts to alleviate extreme poverty and suffering in countries around the world. “I am thrilled that the federal government continues to entrust CCFC with significant grants,” Lukowski said. “Together, we are creating a future of hope for the poorest of the poor.”

Millions affected by Typhoon Haiyan

On November 8th, 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, slamming the islands with torrential rains and winds of up to 315 km/h, causing massive destruction. Haiyan is the largest typhoon ever to hit the disaster-prone nation.

CCFC launched an immediate emergency appeal for funds, raising $60,000 from Canadians which was directed to emergency relief through ChildFund Philippines following the disaster. ChildFund was one of the first international organizations to respond in delivering relief including 357 metric tons of food, 104 metric tons of non-food supplies and 15 Child-Centered Spaces. Child-Centered Spaces are safe environments designed to help children weather the storm after the storm—or any other emergency. Learn more about Child-Centered Spaces at www.childfund.org/child-centered-spaces.

Christian Children’s Fund of Canada is a member of ChildFund Alliance, a worldwide group of 12 child-centred development organizations working in 58 countries to implement long-lasting and meaningful changes for children and families. For more than 50 years, CCFC has been helping children and families of all faiths move from poverty to self-reliance.

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