Home Page | Disaster Aid Canada

Rebuilding Communities... Together

Our Mission is to provide and assist in delivering humanitarian aid, shelter, sustainable water systems, and other support to people affected by natural and other disasters.

Help us celebrate 20 years of humanitarian service. DONATE

2024 Update on Ukraine Support for Children

Posted on Feb 09, 2024

Help Provide Psychological Rehabilitation for Children in Ukraine.

Update on Ukraine - February 2024

Daily, more and more Ukrainian children are traumatized by war, waking up from explosions and gunshots. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine creates immense difficulty and suffering, so we must unite to help those who need it most. Children are more vulnerable to the psychological trauma of war and need help to work through their grief. Schools became targets and many have been destroyed or damaged by heavy artillery.

Disaster Aid Canada supports the Rotary Club of Khariv Victory projects focused on Psychological Rehabilitation for Children in Ukraine. These humanitarian programs include access to specialists, education, rest, new friendships, and more support for kids affected by this ongoing war. These centers of rehabilitation are for children who have lost one or both parents and will help over 600 children. They are in response to multiple requests from our previously supported shelters for Internally Displaced People (IDPs).

Your help is greatly appreciated, please donate what you can to support these projects. Donate

Update on Maui Wildfire Relief

Posted on Oct 30, 2023

UPDATE October 2023:

The aftermath of the summer wildfires in Lahaina and upcountry Maui will be felt for a long time. Our project partner, Disaster Aid USA, deployed their Lead DART director to Maui to assess projects for support. His report shared so much continued need in the area and our teams are getting to work to put your donation funds into the hands of those that need it most. The people there are in need of all the love and help they can get because this is a long-term problem.

The first of the supported projects is to help a local service group fill in the gaps where government agencies aren’t by providing school supplies and temporary schools to kids affected by the fire. They provide community events to lift the kids' spirits such as family movie nights and they will be hosting a Thanksgiving celebration. Kids are some of the most emotionally hard hit by the realities of the fire. Money donated will continue to support much-needed school support as well as councilors to assist folks with mental health issues.

Another supported project is focusing on providing financial assistance to those who have lost jobs and homes in the fire, so far they have provided assistance to 900 families. In addition, they have been operating a food bank that is providing not only food but other necessities. Most of the people they are serving are either not insured or underinsured and are having difficulty getting assistance to clear debris from their property. The next step is for Disaster Aid USA to provide a Disaster Aid trailer to help with debris removal and tool access and to help coordinate more volunteers to clean up.

We will continue to provide updates on the work your support is funding in Maui. Thank you for all that you help us do.

Please continue to support these people as they rebuild. PLEASE DONATE so we can help those in need with vital aid and resources.

Maui Wildfire Support

Posted on Aug 15, 2023

BC Floods

Disaster Aid Canada has been in touch with our partners in Maui and with Disaster Aid USA in order to assess the situation and the up-to-date needs of those directly affected by the fires. The needs of the region of Lahaina are such that getting aid to the people is challenging and that's why we rely on our qualified contacts at Disaster Aid USA, trained in SmartAid disaster relief to be able to relay the needs our way.

The death toll is now over 100 as the fires continue to grow. State Representative Troy Hashimoto has been quoted as emphasizing the importance of donations to Maui and how it's a "marathon and not a sprint. The recovery time will be quite long and; for those of you who’ve not donated yet, there’s still time.”

Our hearts go out to the people of Maui who have lost their homes, loved ones, friends, and family.

PLEASE DONATE so we can help those in need with vital aid and resources.

Morocco Earthquake Recovery Appeal

Posted on Sep 15, 2023

BC Floods

The Earthquake in Morocco on September 8th, 2023 was unlike any seen in the region in over a century. Rarely are earthquakes and aftershocks of this magnitude seen in Morocco and the impact was immense.

Thousands were lost, killed, trapped, injured, and left homeless, over 300,000 people affected.

Providing assistance in the area has been limited in the days following the disaster. Disaster Aid Canada has been in touch with our Disaster Aid International partners to ensure the aid we are able to provide will get to those who need it most. We have partnered with Disaster Aid UK & Ireland, as we did in response to the Turkey Earthquake earlier this year. Our efforts will be focused on future re-building efforts and any additional relief we can help provide.

We will continue to update our supporters on the impact your donations make on the people of Morocco.

Please donate today. Thank you.

BC Wildfire Support 2023

Posted on Jul 01, 2023

UPDATE AUGUST 18, 2023:

In the last 48 hours, fires have sent thousands of BC residents under evacuation orders and out of their homes and businesses. The combination of extreme drought conditions, gusting winds, and incoming lightning storms could still bring about the worst. The heat wave over BC created dry conditions that helped the fires spread fast and unpredictably. The public is urged to monitor the BC Wildfire updates closely and be prepared. If there's ever a time to have an evacuation plan for your family, it's now.

To support BC Residents affected by Wildfires please DONATE.

Alberta Wildfire Emergency Support 2023

Posted on May 08, 2023

Over 30,000 Alberta residents have been evacuated as devastating fires spread uncontrollably across Southern and Northern Alberta. Dry conditions, winds, and extreme heat in the forecast expect to fuel the wildfires over the coming days. As of this post, 89 wildfires continue to burn across Alberta. The wildfires continue to damage major infrastructure and homes, forcing some evacuees to the realization that their homes may not have survived the fires.

Türkiye & Syria Earthquake Appeal

Update Feb 15: The losses are unimaginable as we continue to hear back from teams in Turkey and Syria. The reported much-needed items are warm clothing, blankets, and hygiene products. Our partners Disaster Aid Europe have purchased items and delivered them to the Turkish Embassy in Prague. The first cargo plane of goods went out last Thursday and another on Saturday. They will continue to take items there and more when funds are received to make purchases.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Nigeria Floods

Posted on Feb 15, 2023

Flood Relief for Nigeria

Since last fall, severe floods in Nigeria have caused the deaths of over 600 people and displaced 1.3 million from their homes. The region has experienced the most devastating episode of seasonal floods in a decade.

Our Rotary Club partners in the affected Niger Delta region of Nigeria and Alberta, Canada, have joined together to send help for the ongoing effects of these unprecedented floods.

We will keep our donors updated as we hear more from our contacts in and near the area. Thank you for your support.

Every donation makes a difference, consider a donation today. Click here to DONATE

Update on Ukraine

Posted on Jan 16, 2023

Help Provide Generators to Ukrainians

Ukraine's humanitarian crisis that began almost a year ago continues to wreak havoc on the region. The need for support is ongoing.

We are updating our supporters this January 2023 to inform you of a new fundraising focus to support the victims of the Russian attack on Ukraine's electrical infrastructure.

Last year, thanks to your generosity, Disaster Aid Canada AC was able to send 50 Family Survival tents and 300 water purification units to Ukraine. Now, as the invasion there progresses, there are millions of people who are currently without power and are facing harsh winter conditions without heat or light. Imagine your home going without power for a few hours; or maybe for a couple of days. Some of these people have had no power for MONTHS. Their situation is becoming more dire by the day.

Our next goal is to raise enough money to purchase 25 gas-powered electrical generators for distribution in Ukraine. These generators will provide a vital source of energy, allowing people to heat and light their rooms.

In order to reduce shipping costs, the generators will be purchased in Europe. Reliable, well-established shipping and distribution contacts will allow us to deliver the generators directly to those in need. Our Disaster Aid International partners in Prague, DA Europe, will coordinate the delivery to a Rotary Club in Ukraine for local distribution.

Your support is vital in helping us provide essential aid to those affected by this disaster. Please consider making a donation today to help bring warmth and light to those suffering in the dark.

We are deeply thankful for your continued support, and we urge you to give as generously as you can. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis. Many thanks to those that continue to donate to this appeal. Please Donate.

Hurricane Fiona Support

Posted on Sep 25, 2022

Hurricane Fiona Support in Canada

Hurricane Fiona hit Atlantic Canada and the Caribbean days ago and we're gathering support for those communities affected.

After battering Bermuda with heavy rain, strong winds, and massive waves, Hurricane Fiona took aim at northeastern Canada, one of the strongest storms on record for the region.

Fiona, a Category 4 hurricane, ripped through northeastern Canada, producing significant coastal flooding and damaging hurricane-force wind gusts and dangerous storm surges. They continue to deal with widespread power outages.

Disaster Aid Canada is in touch with our Rotary contacts in the area to provide support to those most in need. We will continue to update our donors as we get more details on the relief efforts in the area.

Thank you for your donation support for Atlantic Canada. Please click here to donate.

Flood Relief for Pakistan

Posted on Aug 31, 2022

Help Provide Flood Relief for Pakistan

Heavy monsoon rains have caused devastating floods in Pakistan, affecting 33 million people and causing hundreds of thousands to be displaced from their homes. Disaster Aid Canada is reaching out to our network of supporters to gather humanitarian aid and send help to those who need it most. We are working with Disaster Aid USA to get much-needed support to the area.

With flooding lasting since June, the area has not been able to recover, and now the threat of disease and famine will affect thousands more lives. Major roads, buildings, and infrastructure has been taken out by flash floods. Those that have escaped to dry land will still have the challenge of accessing clean drinking water, food, and shelter.

We must scale up our aid and provide urgent support for Pakistan.

We will keep our donors updated as we hear more from our contacts in and near the area. Thank you for your support.

Please click here to donate.

Ukraine Humanitarian Aid

Posted on Feb 28, 2022

Help Provide Urgent Aid to Ukrainians.

Campaign Updates - Read More

The crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine has escalated and has already shown the world that major humanitarian aid is needed in the region. The survivors are fleeing their homes, over 1.5 million people, some heading to friends and family across Europe, and some entering refugee camps. The need for support is both immediate and ongoing. The escalation is happening so quickly that we have launched our appeal to support our ties in Europe and will keep our supporters informed as moves are made to aid those affected.

BC Storm Emergency Support

Posted on Nov 16, 2021

BC Was Hit With a Devastating Storm

Help Support BC residents affected by the devastating storm and floods that hit the province on November 14-15th, 2021.

Rio Blanco Water System Reconstruction Project

By Gerry Beltgens & Fernando Martinez

In the fall and winter of 2020 many communities in Central America were devastated by multiple hurricanes, tropical storms, landslides and flooding.

This on top of the horrors of the pandemic. Millions were affected, tens of thousands were displaced or worse.

The water system for Rio Blanco was destroyed by flooding nearly a year ago. Every morning the women and children leave at 5:00am and walk 2 kilometers with wheelbarrows, buckets and plastic containers to get water. At the source they must wait for their turn to access the water with the other villagers. The men stay home to work in the coffee and bean fields or find work at neighbouring properties. There is only one vehicle in the town and it cannot negotiate the trail to the water. The Rotary Club of Comayagua met with the community to find a solution.

Disaster Aid will raise $14,800 Canadian ($11,750 US) to rebuild the water system. We can start phase 1 as we have $7,700 donated by Disaster Aid Australia, DA Canada and RC Comox.
Phase 1 is the reconstruction of the dam and the building of a sand filtration system. Phase 2 will include the installation of the main water pipe to the village.

Click Here to Donate

BC Wildfires Emergency Support

BC is on fire and declares a State of Emergency

BC has declared a State of Emergency, with hundreds of fires burning in our province. Smokey skies, eerie sunsets, and low air quality have people concerned. There are severe wind warnings changing the current conditions rapidly and forcing more evacuation orders and alerts. Currently, 18,000 properties are either on alert or evacuation.

Thousands of people have been evacuated, across multiple BC towns. Firefighters from across the world have arrived to help, and support is being brought in to help anyone affected by the fires.

Disaster Aid Canada will be collaborating with Rotary groups and other organizations to bring support to people affected by wildfires. We will update as the details of the programs come our way.

Please donate what you can to help BC Residents. - Please click here to DONATE

BC Wildfire Update January 2022:

Disaster Aid Canada continues to provide aid to those that are still feeling the effects of last summer's devastating fire season in BC. Across BC, 32,882 people were displaced due to the fires.

The raised funds have been going to support the Rotary BC Wildfire Relief Team. This collaboration is a centralized project to enable the collection of donations to assist the affected regions to directly support people affected by the wildfires. Evacuees have received Gift Cards for food, supplies, and fuel. Many of the evacuees from the town of Lytton were hit a second time, as they had relocated to Merritt and were hit by floods this fall.

While Lytton hasn't been re-built, it is still very much active in the surrounding area and looking forward to eventually rebuilding the community. DAC is supporting the local volunteer fire department by helping to replace their safety equipment. The Firehall and all the equipment inside were lost in the fire. We are providing funds for SCBA gear for the fighters. They protect Lytton and the surrounding areas, including 5 indigenous communities.

We will be focused on the rebuilding phase next and that will be lengthy. Funds will be critical once the weather improves in the spring.

To support the rebuilding efforts in BC's Interior please consider donating to the BC Wildfire Support Fund. PLEASE DONATE

Nutritional Supplements for Severely Malnourished Children in Guatemala

UPDATE - Nutritional Supplements for Severely Malnourished Children in Guatemala

The first tranche of funding ($2,500.00) has been sent to the Rotary Club of Guatemala Vista Hermosa Satellite Uwara. They are picking up 2000 bags of the nutritional supplements from the manufacturer on May 29 and delivering them to our friends at Mayan Families. From there the supplements will be given weekly to 100 selected undernourished children as a special formulated food supplement. The families will be visited regulalry by two social workers. We want to thank the Rotary Club of Chemainus, Don Mercer, Jacqueline, Mealing, Virginia Hambly of Sidney, Disaster Aid Australia, Pat and Maggie from Ladysmith, and all of the others who are supporting this project. We could not do this without you!

Gerry Beltgens and Jacqueline Mealing

Rotary Clubs of Ladysmith and Chemainus have teamed up with Disaster Aid Canada and the Rotary Club Guatemala Vista Hermosa Satellite Uwara to address malnutrition in the Mayan Villages. Click HERE to donate

You can provide 2 kilo of Nutritional Supplement that will provide the required Nutrition for a mother and child approximately $5.00 Can per month or $4.00 US.

Over 60% of the children are severely undernourished. These Rotary Clubs have been working in Mayan villages for some time and are very aware of the decreasing height and weight of children under six. As a consequence many also suffer from respiratory infections and hunger.

DAC and Rotary Clubs Restore Water to Honduran Village

Disast

er Aid Partners with Rotary Clubs to Restore Water to Honduran Village
Gerry Beltgens, April 2, 2021

“Solving problems as a team just gets more work done.” That is the inspiration behind the Disaster Aid Regional Collaborative. The DA Regional Collaborative or DARC for short, was formed in January 2021 to enable Disaster Aid Canada, Disaster Aid USA and Rotary Clubs in Guatemala and Honduras to work effectively on regional challenges.

Our first project as a collaborative in Honduras is now reaching completion. Organized by Disaster Aid Canada but managed by the Rotary Club of Comayagua in Honduras and the Rotary Club of Comox in Canada, the project was spec'd and funded in record time. Fernando Martinez of Comayagua and Brian Mather of Comox had worked together on the original water Project for the Village of La Mata 12 years ago. La Mata has a population of 500 and access to clean water was now out of a creek 7 kilometers from town.

Hurricanes Eta and Iota devastate Central America

Update: November 27 - Hurricane Eta/Iota Fundraising Gains Momentum across Canada

Close to $8,500.00 has already been raised as Rotary Clubs and individuals pledge to support the Disaster Aid Canada Relief Project for Honduras and Guatemala. At the regular Club meeting of November 26, the Rotary Club of Ladysmith on Vancouver Island committed $2,500.00.

In Newfoundland a Fundraiser organized by Honduran born Ingred Sierra-Quilty has already raised thousands. Ingrid knows first hand the challenges the people in Honduras face. Now compounded by the hurricanes and tropical storms that have flooded some areas 4 times in the past 2 months and the impact of Covid-19, her people are dealing with the loss of homes, food shortages and infections caused by the polluted waters. Once again the people who have the least are the ones most affected, with no jobs, income support or insurance. Click on "Read More" for the rest of the story

To donate please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/54353

Maya Norte teams up with Disaster Aid Canada to support Flooded Schools in Melaque

Flooding from Tropical Storm Hernan wreaked devastation in Melaque, Jaluco and surrounding areas on the Pacific side of Mexico.

The owners of the local restaurant Maya Norte, have a special connection to Melaque. Anne Manning and Peg Montgomery owned and operated a restaurant in the area for 14 years and have family members that were born there. These days the owners and family live in Ladysmith but still have strong connections, friends and family in Melaque.

Starting in October Maya Norte will have a specialty Melaque Cocktail and Tapas available. A portion of each sale will be donated to helping Melaque schools get back on their feet.
The Rotary Club of Costalegre, in conjunction with support from Disaster Aid Canada and other Rotary Clubs, is helping people who have been affected by this disaster. Rotarians on the ground have been volunteering their time and donating to various community relief efforts.

Disaster Aid Canada (a project of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith) has connections to the Rotary Club of Costalegre and will work with them to ensure that the donations reach those in the most need.

Disaster Aid Canada held a Garage Sale on October 10 and raised close to $650 for current projects including $250.00 for Melaque. Luckily the rain held off for the morning after a torrential downpour during the night. The rain restarted after the sale so there was clearly divine support for the fundraiser!

If you would like to donate to the Melaque fund please Click Here

Food Aid for the Mayan Villagers in the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala

Please Help us Prevent Starvation by Providing Food and other Aid to the Mayan Villagers in the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala

UPDATE, July 7, 2020 - The Rotary Club of Poulsbo Washington has donated $2,880.00 Canadian funds to the Guatemalen Relief Program!

UPDATE, June 16, 2020 - Disaster Aid Australia has signed on as a Collaborating Country Partner and have donated $4,500.00 towards the Guatemalan Relief Program!

UPDATE, June 1, 2020 - Disaster Aid UK&I have signed on as a Collaborating Country Partner and have donated $3,500.00 towards the Guatemalan Relief Program!

Donate now at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/49533

Most Mayans are marginal farmers or work at minimal wage for the 22 families that control 80% of the land in Guatemala. Key right now is Covid-19 induced unemployment and lock-down shelter-in-place. Many markets are closed and villagers are unable to shop for food. People are literally starving in their homes.
All supplies to be locally sourced. The Mayan Women’s Groups in San Lucas Toliman and San Antonio Palopo know how and where to obtain and distribute supplies.

The funds raised by this special appeal will be distributed by Disaster Aid Canada with the assistance of Canadian Rotary Clubs (Ladysmith, Chemainus, and Nanaimo) and the Mayan Women’s groups with whom the Rotary Clubs have collaborated for years in local projects. (Click Read More)

Fort McMurray Flood Recovery Project

On April 26th, 2020, amidst a global pandemic, Fort McMurray was struck with a second state of emergency from a one in one hundred year flood that evacuated approximately 1200 buildings out of our downtown core and lower townsite. Individuals and families were evacuated out of apartment buildings by boat and forced to leave their homes, many of which attained significant damage of up to 6 feet of water. Most affected by this situation did not have sufficient insurance coverage for their losses and/or had crippling deductibles hindering use of any insurance.

Disaster Aid Canada approached both the Rotary Club of Fort McMurray and the Rotary Club of Fort McMurray Oilsands to see how they might support any recovery efforts for these people. While both clubs were delighted for the support, the Rotary Club of Fort McMurray Oilsands had the capacity to administer the efforts.

Disaster Aid Canada Pivots to Online Club Presentations

June 21, 2020

Gerry Beltgens, the Executive Director of Disaster Aid Canada enjoys meeting with Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in person. In March of 2020 he was booked solid with 3 upcoming District Conferences, the International Conference in Hawaii and face to face presentations with another 6 Rotary Clubs. He was planning a trip to Ontario to meet with Clubs in the Greater Toronto Region in late April. That all came to a grinding halt when COVID-19 tore its way into public life.

Rotary Club of Ladysmith Donates Emergency Preparedness Kits to the Town

Rotary Club of Ladysmith Donates Emergency Preparedness Kits to the Town

Sandra Milne, 2019/2020 Rotary Club of Ladysmith President and the LSS Interact Club presented 5 Emergency Preparedness Kits from Disaster Aid Canada to the Mayor Aaron Stone, Fire Chief Chris Geiger and Bill Drysdale from Ladysmith Search and Rescue. The event was held in front of the Fire Hall on Friday June 12.

Disaster Aid Canada has recently moved its operations from Victoria to Ladysmith. Emergency supplies and tents will be stored in Ladysmith as it is an economical, central location with quick access to transportation, airport and ferries. There will be over 100 tents and materials for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Kits stored in Ladysmith for international and domestic relief programs.

Disaster Aid Canada Collects $60,000 for Australian Bush Fires Relief

Disaster Aid Canada Collects $60,000.00 for Australian Bushfire Relief

Gerry Beltgens, Executive Director, Disaster Aid Canada

https://www.facebook.com/DisasterAidCanada

Rebuilding Communities... Together

Help Provide Psychological Rehabilitation for Children in Ukraine.

Flood Relief for Nigeria

Help Provide Generators to Ukrainians

Hurricane Fiona Support in Canada

Help Provide Flood Relief for Pakistan

Help Provide Urgent Aid to Ukrainians.

Campaign Updates - Read More

BC Was Hit With a Devastating Storm

By Gerry Beltgens & Fernando Martinez

BC is on fire and declares a State of Emergency

BC Wildfire Update January 2022:

UPDATE - Nutritional Supplements for Severely Malnourished Children in Guatemala

Update: November 27 - Hurricane Eta/Iota Fundraising Gains Momentum across Canada

Maya Norte teams up with Disaster Aid Canada to support Flooded Schools in Melaque

Please Help us Prevent Starvation by Providing Food and other Aid to the Mayan Villagers in the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala

Fort McMurray Flood Recovery Project

Disaster Aid Canada Pivots to Online Club Presentations

June 21, 2020

SUPPORT A PROJECT

WORK WITH US

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

About Disaster Aid Canada

Founded by Rotarians

Contact Us