Due to the extent of the disaster, IDRF is working with several partners in several regions and districts. Partners include SHINE (Sustainable Healthcare Initiatives Now Empowering) / CDRS (Comprehensive Disaster Response Services), Takhleeq Foundation, and CHIP (Civil Society Human and Institutional Development Program).

For more information about the projects, click on the organization name.

Government of Canada Announces Matching Fund for Pakistan Flood Relief

In order to better respond to the needs of the people of Pakistan and to more effectively match the generosity of Canadians, the Government of Canada will match eligible donations made from August 2 until September 12, 2010. Organizations have until September 27, 2010, to submit their letters of attestation indicating the amount of donations they have collected.

Ottawa (Ontario) ― The Honourable John Baird, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that the Government of Canada has established a Pakistan Floods Relief Fund.

"Canadians have shown that they are always ready to help those in need," said Minister Baird. "In order to support their generosity, our Government will match their contributions dollar for dollar."

For every eligible donation by individual Canadians to Canadian registered charities, Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Pakistan Floods Relief Fund. The equivalent contribution will support continuing humanitarian assistance, early recovery, and reconstruction in Pakistan through projects undertaken by the many organizations and non-governmental organizations responding to the floods in Pakistan.

The Government of Canada will use the Pakistan Floods Relief Fund to provide assistance through Canadian and international humanitarian and development organizations, according to established channels and procedures. The Pakistan Floods Relief Fund is separate from the funds raised by charities and will be administered separately by the Government of Canada.

"The Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Pakistan Floods Relief Fund for every eligible donation by individual Canadians to Canadian registered charities between August 2 and September 12," said Minister Oda. "This fund will provide effective and accountable financial support to experienced Canadian and international humanitarian and development partner organizations working on humanitarian assistance, early recovery, and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas."

The flooding situation in Pakistan continues to worsen. The devastation left by the floods is now compounded by health risks, food shortages, the destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of people.

On Saturday, August 14, the Government of Canada pledged an increase to up to $33 million in its response to floods in Pakistan. The Pakistan Floods Relief Fund announced today represents additional funds. With this commitment, the Government of Canada is encouraging Canadians to continue to do their part.

CLICK HERE to be directed to CIDA's website for detailed information on the Pakistan Floods Relief Fund.

On August 15 2010, dedicated groups in Toronto and Calgary held events to raise funds for some of the millions of children, women and families in Pakistan. Their homes have been abruptly turned into mud by mammoth floods, leaving them stranded homeless by the sides of broken roads and bridges.

Khalid Usman and the “Canadian Friends of Pakistan Committee” held a successful fundraising dinner which raised over $425,000 for the Flood Victims of Pakistan. In attendance were over 550 generous donors who gave endlessly and opened their hearts to those suffering in Pakistan. IDRF would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Khalid Usman, the “Canadian Friends of Pakistan Committee” and those who have contributed to IDRF’s Pakistan Flood Relief Fund.

Dr. Abdul Rahman and IDRF’s Calgary Chapter also held a successful fundraiser on the same day, which raised $75,000 for IDRF’s Pakistan Flood Relief Fund. They are still seeking funds to provide aid to the 20 million people affected by the calamity in Pakistan.

We would like to thank Dr. Rahman, the Calgary Chapter and all those who shared in this delightful evening and gave generously in support of this cause. It is the support and generous donations from such groups that is enabling IDRF to come to the aid of some of the millions who survived the floods, and providing them with desperately needed medical aid as well as food, clean water and other essential items.

"The best of you is he (or she) who is of most benefit to others." - The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, is a time of mercy, compassion and generosity. Muslims have Zakah, Sadaqah, and Fitrah, remarkable Islamic institutions provided to us by Allah SWT, to help our brothers and sisters in need. These acts of giving bless the wealth from which it is taken, and purifies the heart of the righteous givers from selfishness and greed.

IDRF can assist you in your aspiration to benefit the poorest of the poor. We use your Zakah, Sadaqah, Fitrah and other contributions to implement projects, based on Islamic principles, which help children, women and families get access to basic needs so as to enable them to live with dignity and self-sufficiency.

FITRAH FOR GAZA

While we look forward to celebrating the joys of Eid with our families, people in Gaza continue to suffer for lack of food and other basic necessities. With the blockade persisting, and unemployment soaring above 40%, children in particular are languishing from effects of malnutrition and hunger.

Please support “FITRAH FOR GAZA”, IDRF’s special Fitrah project that will help children and families in Gaza celebrate Eid-ul Fitr. Your contribution will bring joy to families in Gaza and to you, the best utilization of your Fitrah giving.
IMPORTANT NOTE: IDRF must receive your Fitrah by the 20th of Ramadan.

ZAKAH FOR THOSE IN NEED

Many families can benefit through your Zakah contributions, as IDRF has a range of projects in a variety of countries aimed at helping orphans, widows, and other destitute people.

Please remember to write "Zakah, Sadaqah or Fitrah", as applicable, when making your donation.

IDRF provides tax creditable receipts for all your contributions, including Zakah, Sadaqah and Fitrah.

IDRF would like to take the opportunity of the Blessed Month of Ramadan to thank you for your support of our work throughout the years.