OMNI Television is donating two hours of commercial-free, primetime coverage for the broadcast special Canada for Pakistan: Flood Relief Appeal airing Sunday, October 3 on OMNI. 2 in Ontario at 8pm ET, OMNI Alberta at 9pm MT and OMNI B.C. at 5pm PT. The broadcast is set to raise much needed funds in aid of the over 20 million people who have been affected by the flooding in Pakistan that began in July.
In partnership with the International Development & Relief Foundation (IDRF), RBC and Multicultural Society of Pakistani Canadians, the appeal produced by OMNI Television will feature 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.
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.
All proceeds from the appeal will go directly to IDRF’s flood relief efforts. 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. Generous donations from viewers will help IDRF expand its reach providing more services to a larger geographical area.
Canadians are encouraged to donate during the broadcast over the phone by dialing
1-888-769-2501 or online at OMNITV.ca. Donations are currently being accepted online and phone lines will only be open during the broadcast. The Canadian Government has agreed to match all funds raised until and including Canada for Pakistan: Flood Relief Appeal. RBC is volunteering its Call Centre facilities and over 200 employees to take donations during the broadcast. Less than $3 CAD can ensure a pregnant woman will have access to proper food supplements, $0.60 can supply a water purification sachet to flood survivors and less than $10, can provide an entire family with a fully equipped hygiene kit.
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.
About Multicultural Society of Pakistani Canadians
Multicultural Society of Pakistani Canadians has been in existence since 1983 and have been serving the Community for over the past 27 years. Have been actively involved in Humanitarian and compassionate causes, raising funds for natural disasters and other calamities. The Society has established a great rapport with the grass roots and with the achievements have earned the distinction and recognition as one of the most dynamic, proactive organizations of the community. The Society has helped many in need and shaped the career destiny of our youth. As a result of our achievements, the Society has been designated by CRA as a charitable organization with a mandate to assist in calamities and natural disasters – locally and internationally.
