OMNI Television viewers generously donated an impressive $247,000 during the two hour, commercial-free broadcast special Canada for Pakistan: Flood Relief Appeal that aired this past Sunday on OMNI stations in Ontario, Alberta and BC. The funds raised during this appeal have surpassed dollars raised by any other appeal or telethon on OMNI Television.
“Canada for Pakistan: Flood Relief Appeal was a record breaking fundraising success for OMNI Television,” commented Madeline Ziniak, National Vice President, OMNI Television. “We are extremely grateful for the collaboration of IDRF, RBC and Multicultural Society of Pakistani Canadians and the generosity of OMNI viewers who helped make this donation possible.”
The money raised by the appeal has been matched by the Canadian government, which means that the people of Pakistan will receive almost $400,000 in aid through the International Development & Relief Foundation (IDRF). Now 16,000 families, or approximately 64,000 people, can get enough clean water, food, hygiene items and medication for an entire week. An additional, $100,000 of the total amount raised during the appeal will go to support other aid efforts on the ground in Pakistan.
In partnership with the IDRF, RBC and Multicultural Society of Pakistani Canadians, the appeal produced and broadcast by OMNI Television featured personal and touching stories from people affected by the flood in different ways, as well as inspirational accounts of relief efforts from a variety of experts, physicians and organizations. The broadcast set out to raise much needed funds to help aid over 20 million people who have been affected by the flooding in Pakistan that began in July.
Currently in Pakistan, more than 10 million people are in immediate need of food and assistance, over 1.5 million are living in relief and temporary camps and 1.8 million houses have been damaged or destroyed. The flooding is also affecting the health and lives of millions as more than 1,750 people have been killed and over 5 million people are seeking health care for conditions including suspected malaria, acute respiratory infection, acute diarrhea and skin disease. The floods have also affected an estimated 45,000 pregnant women.
IDRF has already raised over $2.5 million and has been providing food, clean drinking water, medical care, hygiene kits, and basic sanitation for the millions of people affected by the flooding. These generous donations from viewers will help IDRF expand its reach providing more services to a larger geographical area.
About IDRF
The International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged people of the world through emergency relief and development programs. IDRF was established over 25 years ago, and its work is based on the principles of human dignity, self-reliance and social justice.
