Humanitarian Coalition and Its Counterparts Step Up for Nepal

---

A little more than a month after the first of two devastating earthquakes in Nepal, more than $249 million (CAD) have been raised by the members of the Emergency Appeals Alliance (EAA) around the world. This includes $8 million by Canada’s Humanitarian Coalition. The funds will support the work of 50 humanitarian organizations as they assist survivors on the ground. 

The money was raised in eight countries (Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, UK), following appeals for donations launched by EAA members in co-operation with respective national broadcaster and other media partners. “This impressive result shows the power of a common approach and brings an added value to the fundraising appeal,” commented Catherine Baud-Lavigne, Chair of the EAA.

The work in Nepal is challenging, but thanks to their extensive experience and relationships with local partners, the NGOs financed by the Alliance are playing an active role in relief efforts. They are providing a wide range of emergency items and services, such as shelters, blankets, clean water and sanitation supplies, water storage units, food, medical aid, baby kits, and other essentials. Special attention is given to pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

A portion of the funds raised by the different umbrella groups will be used for recovery and rehabilitation activities in the longer term such as the reconstruction of houses, community buildings, medical centres, schools, as well as livelihood programs.

“In emergencies, the life-saving work of our member agencies must be scaled up rapidly. That takes expertise, but also funding to ensure that interventions are sustainable,” said Nicolas Moyer, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Coalition. “That is only possible with the generous contributions of donors, so we thank them for their support.”