Canada will now match up to $7 million in public donations for Venezuelans affected by last month’s earthquakes, nearly doubling its initial commitment. The federal government announced the increase after its original $4 million cap was quickly reached.
Expanded Support for Venezuela Earthquake Victims
Randeep Sarai, secretary of state for international development, confirmed the boost today. The funding will go directly to aid groups, including the Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition, to provide food, shelter, medicine, and clothing.
Rare double earthquakes struck northern Venezuela 39 seconds apart last month, leaving thousands dead or missing. The death toll has risen to 3,535, with many still displaced.
Canada’s Total Humanitarian Contribution
If fully funded, Ottawa’s matching program will bring its total humanitarian aid for the disaster to $12 million. The authoritarian Venezuelan government has struggled to respond to the crisis.
- Original matching limit: $4 million
- New matching limit: $7 million
- Total potential aid: $12 million
- Death toll: 3,535
