Canada launches matching fund to support humanitarian response in Venezuela

June 30, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

As the full scale of the devastation caused by the earthquakes in Venezuela becomes clearer, humanitarian needs continue to grow and Canadians are stepping up to support those in need.

Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development),

announced that Canada will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition in support of urgent relief efforts. Every donation made by individuals to these organizations from June 25 to July 14 will be matched, up to a total of $4 million.

Funds raised through the generosity of Canadians will help deliver life-saving assistance, including emergency health care, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as other essential support for affected communities.

The funding provided to the Canadian Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition at the end of the donation-matching period will build on the $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding announced on June 25, 2026, by Secretary of State Sarai and Minister Anand. This brings Canada’s total humanitarian assistance funding in response to the earthquakes to $9 million.

This $5 million has been allocated as follows:

• $2 million to the World Food Programme
• $2 million to the Pan American Health Organization
• $1 million to the International Rescue Committee

Working with the Canadian Red Cross, Canada has already helped deliver more than 5,700 emergency relief items on the ground, including blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, tarpaulins and jerry cans, and is supporting the deployment of emergency health services and medical supplies.

Canada will continue to stand with the people of Venezuela in the wake of this immense devastation and work with humanitarian partners on the ground to assess evolving needs.

Quotes

“Every day brings a clearer picture of the immense needs of people affected by this disaster. We’re doubling the generous efforts of Canadians who are stepping up to support our partners on the ground as they deliver urgent, life-saving help to those who need it most.”

- Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)

“The humanitarian needs in Venezuela are immense following these devastating earthquakes. Canada is matching donations from Canadians to help trusted humanitarian partners deliver life-saving assistance to those affected. As communities begin the difficult process of recovery, Canada stands with the people of Venezuela and will continue working with our partners to support relief and recovery efforts.”

- Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• Individuals wishing to donate can do so by visiting the Canadian Red Cross and Humanitarian Coalition websites.

• Canada is working with experienced and trusted humanitarian partners on the ground and engaging in robust mechanisms to ensure funding reaches the Venezuelan people impacted by this crisis.

• The Canadian Red Cross will allocate its funding to support the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

• The Humanitarian Coalition will disburse its funding among its members—12 of Canada’s leading humanitarian organizations—all with established capacity and presence in Venezuela.

• Pooled humanitarian funds, to which Canada contributes, have been used to support response efforts in Venezuela, including allocations from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund.