ADRA Canada has been awarded a $500,000 grant by CIDA/HAPS (Canadian International Development Agency/Humanitarian Assistance, Peace and Security) for emergency relief supplies to aid victims of Cyclone Nargis, which devastated Myanmar (Burma) when it struck on May 3.

The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced on Friday, May 23, 2008, that the Government of Canada is partnering with the United Nations and Canadian and international organizations to provide much-needed additional humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar affected by the cyclone that devastated the country. This additional support is being allocated to trusted Canadian and international partners with direct access to the affected population.

This grant to ADRA Canada will provide improved sanitation for people displaced by cyclone Nargis; specifically, the construction of 1,150 latrines, 267 washing areas, 267 solid waste disposal areas, and the distribution of 5,348 hygiene kits. Volunteers will also be trained and mobilized to provide hygiene education messages. ADRA Canada will manage the funds to ensure that Canadian dollars are used appropriately, and will monitor and evaluate the six-month project which will be implemented by ADRA Myanmar.

ADRA Canada is grateful to the Canadian government for this expression of confidence that will create more opportunities for ADRA to help the survivors of Cyclone Nargis.