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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.

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.

Disaster Aid Canada is collaborating with Rotary groups in multiple Alberta communities and other organizations to bring support to people affected by these wildfires. We will update you as the details of additional programs come our way.

Please DONATE what you can to help Alberta Residents.

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.

Update Feb 9th: The Earthquake toll climbs to over 15,000 people, as the search teams battle conditions to find survivors. The WHO estimates over 23 million people are affected over multiple regions. Volunteers and aid have been pouring into the areas but they have an upward battle as buildings continue to crumble and temperatures plummet.

Thank you for your donations.

Feb 6th: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit at 4:18 am, followed by 7.5 and 6 magnitude aftershocks within hours. There have been over 100 aftershocks felt by millions over multiple regions. The quake has claimed over 3,000 lives and injured thousands more. Buildings are still collapsing all around while people continue to search for loved ones.

Disaster Aid Canada is collecting funds to support those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We’re working with our Disaster Aid International partners as they assess the relief effort and to help place the support in the hands of those that need it most.

Disaster Aid Europe is closely monitoring the situation in Turkey, as aftershocks continue to devastate the area. The evaluation of need is ongoing and Disaster Aid Canada will continue to update our donors as we receive reports from the region.

Please consider donating to help provide emergency relief. CLICK HERE TO DONATE

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 Listed Below

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.

Update on Ukraine - June 2022

50 Disaster Aid Canada tents finally arrived in Ukraine. It took a long while, and the distribution plan changed several times during transit. We shared a sea container with two other organizations; one of them was the Canadian Ukrainian Social Service. They had already shipped 18 containers of medical equipment to the area and arranged all the necessary paperwork for clearing customs. Much time and organization were saved collaborating with these organizations.

With assistance from the Ukraine military, the tents are then transported by trucks headed to hospitals still under Ukraine control on the Eastern front. One hospital mentioned is in Dnipro, and another in Kharkiv, but things change rapidly. We are confident the tents will be well received. More than 400 medical centers/hospitals have been damaged by Russian attacks.

Many thanks to those that have already donated to this appeal. please donate.

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.

Historic rain levels hit the SouthWest corner of BC causing floods and landslides. Abbotsford, Princeton, Merritt, and areas on Vancouver Island were evacuated and are still displaced from their homes. Hundreds of motorists were stranded and helicoptered out by the Department of National Defense near Hope as mudslides on the highway left them without exit options. Major highways were shut down, washed away in sections from rising river levels, and are still under the observation of civil engineers to determine the toll of damage and expected re-opening timeline.

Disaster Aid Canada is in communication with our Rotary and support contacts in the affected areas. Through their first-hand knowledge, we are able to gather funds to provide direct aid to meet the needs of the region.

We will be collaborating with Rotary groups and other organizations to bring support to the people affected. 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 Storms Emergency Support Update January 2022:

Disaster Aid Canada continues to provide aid to those that are still feeling the effects of last fall's devastating storm in BC. Your support has helped the people of the Tri-City area, the Interior, and Vancouver Island after the storm and floods displaced thousands of residents from their homes. Contacts have been made in areas such as Merritt, Princeton, Kamloops, and Richmond and we continue to add communities.

The raised funds continue to support Rotary groups such as the Rotary Club of Merritt and the Rotary Club of Steveston-Richmond, in cooperation with local community associations, to support the people directly affected by these floods, those most vulnerable to the devastation. We are in direct contact with them as they find ways to support people who have not received government funding, are not eligible for insurance claims, or just need help in the interim.

We are so appreciative of the funds donated so far for the Wildfire and Storm victims in British Columbia.

Your donations have helped address the gaps in immediate emergency services and in the interim services for those who lost their homes. Through the support of gift card donations, supporting local food banks, replacing computers, and providing PPE equipment, we have helped those impacted by storms and wildfires in 2021 and are now developing plans to help with temporary structures as winter impacts the communities. The rebuilding phase in these areas will take some time and funds will be critical once the weather improves in the spring.

Disaster Aid Canada will continue to support these communities hit hardest by these storms. PLEASE DONATE

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

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 Listed Below

Update on Ukraine - June 2022

BC Was Hit With a Devastating Storm

BC Storms Emergency Support Update January 2022:

Rio Blanco Water System Reconstruction Project

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

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