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.
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Rio Blanco Water System Reconstruction Project

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.
 
 
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Haiti Earthquake Emergency Support

BC Wildfire - twitterHaiti Was Hit by Another Catastrophic Earthquake!

A 7.2 magnitude Earthquake hit Les Cayes, Haiti on August 15, 2021. The quake has claimed over 1,400 lives and injured thousands more. Haiti is still showing scars of the devastating earthquake in 2010 and the following major Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Most Haitians from Les Cayes that have lost their homes to this disaster have moved to a tent city at a stadium.  

Disaster Aid Canada is working with Rotary Groups and other organizations in the affected area to help place the support in the hands of those that need it. We are prepared to send shelter to those displaced from their homes. The evaluation of need is ongoing and Disaster Aid Canada will continue to update our donors as we receive reports from the region. We will update as the details of the programs come our way. Please donate what you can to help Haiti. - Please click here to DONATE

 
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BC Wildfires Emergency Support

BC Wildfire - twitterBC 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

 
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Oxygen for India

It is like a War Zone in the Hospitals

Disaster Aid Canada and DAUSA have partnered to raise funds for small oxygen generators ($550 each) to be delivered to the rural areas in India. We are working with Rotary clubs here in Canada, the USA and India.  DAC, DAUSA, our DAI Partners in addition to the Rotary Clubs have close connections in India that will be distributing the generators to the Rural areas of India where oxygen supply is the worst.  

Constant transportation of the oxygen bottles (when available) is a logistical nightmare and having small oxygen generators in these areas is a solution that is needed now!  We already have them sourced and our in country partners know where they need to go. We need the funds to purchase these Generators and Concentrators. 
 
BBC “Typically, healthcare facilities consume about 15% of oxygen supply, leaving the rest for industrial use. But amid India's second wave nearly 90% of the country's oxygen supply - 7,500 metric tonnes daily - is being diverted for medical use, according to Rajesh Bhushan, a senior health official.”
Please help deliver small oxygen generators instead of bottles! - Please click here to DONATE
 
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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.
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DAC and Rotary Clubs Restore Water to Honduran Village
Disaster 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.
 
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Update on Honduras and Guatemala

Update on Honduras and Guatemala

Developing a Path Forward - Disaster Aid Canada Forms Disaster Aid Regional Collaborative

DAC partners with Disaster Aid USA and Guatemalan and Honduran Rotary Clubs
For more details visit:

 

Disaster Aid Canada Progress Report on Guatemala and Honduras

Gerry Beltgens, Executive Director Disaster Aid Canada - January 26, 2021

In the fall of 2020 Honduras and Guatemala were hit by named hurricanes Eta and Iota between November 4 and 17, 2020. The rain and wind was so severe that some homes were flooded up to four times in the space of a few weeks. 5.2 Million people were affected in Central America and the Caribbean. 1.5 million people were directly affected in Honduras and Guatemala.

 
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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

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

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
Beirut Explosion Relief Project and Appeal

Beirut Explosion Relief Project and Appeal

Beirut is facing a state of emergency after two explosions in the city’s port have killed more than 200 people and injured an estimated 5,000 people. Homes have been flattened and up to 300,000 people are now homeless according to Lebanon’s health minister.
Disaster Aid International is working with Rotary World Helps, Rotary Clubs and other NGOs to ensure that help will go where it is most needed. Due to the uncertainty in the area, DAI will not release funds until accountability measures are in place. Disaster Aid Canada will work with Disaster Aid International to ensure we provide the best support for the people of Beirut. - From the Canada Helps website - AFP Photos
 
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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)

 
 
 
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Fort McMurray Flood Recovery Project
 

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.  

 

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Disaster Aid Canada Pivots to Online Club Presentations

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.
 
 
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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.
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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
 
Disaster Aid Canada (DAC) has received more than $60,000.00 Canadian in donations from across Canada for Australian Bushfire Relief. On Friday, February 7th we made a wire transfer to Rotary Australia World Community Services (RAWCS) at the RBC Branch in Ladysmith. In the photo are Sabrina Morgan, Administration, Sandra Milne, Rotary Club of Ladysmith President,  Frank Elsom, DAC President, Jake Buinewood, DAC Director and Gerry Beltgens, DAC Executive Director.
Read more...
By supporting Disaster Aid Canada you can make a real difference in the lives of people affected by natural and man made disasters

WORK WITH US

We work with Rotary Clubs in Canada and in affected areas along with affiliated Disaster AID organizations in other countries. Do you want to help out?
The most vulnerable are the first to be affected by a disaster. YOU can help make it a little less difficult.
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