Canadians’ support shines through after Cyclone Idai
On March 15, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe were swept up in one of Southern Africa’s most devastating recent disasters: Cyclone Idai. Gale-force winds and fierce floods combined to demolish buildings and roads, drown crops and affect nearly 3 million people across the region – taking both lives and livelihoods.
But Canadians’ support was also a powerful force, which helped provide critically-needed aid.
Today, 4 months later, new hope is on the horizon for over 631,000 people Canadian donors have already helped reach – with thousands more receiving ongoing assistance from Plan International.
Thank you to all who unleashed the power of compassion by helping donate to the relief efforts.
Everyone has been chipping in to help, even those affected themselves, like Philip, a brave volunteer. Since being rescued by Plan International from the floods, he’s chosen to now also help distribute relief aid to those in need. He and countless other courageous staff and community volunteers have helped supply girls and women with dignity kits stocked with menstrual products, soap and hygiene and sanitation essentials.
“I am happy to help with the distribution of these items, says Philip, with pride. “They are coming from people who care about us.”
Today, weeks after the storm, Canadians’ care and support has continued to shine through clear – already helping deliver:
- Over 29,000 relief items like tents, blankets and solar lamps
- Kits containing key sanitary items to over 5,000 girls and women
- Water storage and purification supplies to over 640 families.
Thanks to our donors, Plan International has helped protect children’s rights through this devastating time: from immediate needs like food and water to important ongoing opportunities like education – helping ensure no child is left behind, no matter what challenges they face.
Returning to school can help re-establish routine after a traumatic event, offering an important sense of stability to children, and an outlet to push forward in support of their healing. Coupled with psychosocial counselling and cathartic activities, it also keeps them on course to overcome added barriers so they can continue to work towards realizing their full potential.
With the help of our generous donors, Plan International has provided over 14,000 students with school supplies and equipped dozens of schools with shelter reinforcements and water containers – ensuring youth can safely continue to learn and grow.
When disaster strikes, Plan International acts immediately to help reach those in need across the more than 50 developing countries we’ve worked in, for decades. But we couldn’t do it without our donors: our sincere thanks to all who took action to help those affected by Cyclone Idai. By unleashing our power to help in times of great need, the impacted children and families of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have greater chances to unlock their power, defy their circumstances and rebuild a more promising tomorrow, stronger than ever.