The Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, yesterday marked the first anniversary of last year’s devastating earthquakes in Nepal. Between April 25 and May 25, 2015, Canadians generously donated a total of $51.7 million to eligible organizations.

 Immediately after the earthquakes, Canada provided $27 million in humanitarian assistance to deliver emergency shelter, food and medical assistance, relief supplies, protection and education services, and access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

 According to a press release issued by Canadian High Commission New Delhi, since then, efforts on the ground have transitioned from short-term relief to recovery and reconstruction. To this end, the Government of Canada has committed $24.7 million from the Relief Fund to support Nepal’s rebuilding phase. This includes $10 million that will go to the World Bank’s Nepal Rural Housing Reconstruction Program Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

 “One year ago today, Canadians were deeply moved by the destruction caused by the earthquakes that struck Nepal and responded with overwhelming generosity. The support shown by Canadians strengthens our commitment to continue to help Nepal rebuild, leading to a brighter future for its people,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.

“A year ago, Canadian officials in the region worked tirelessly with Nepalese and Indian authorities to ensure timely assistance to those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015. This included providing access to food, drinking water, shelter, health and hygiene. A year later, Canada continues to stand by Nepalese in their reconstruction efforts,” said Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada in India.

 Quick facts:

 The Government of Canada established the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund to support the humanitarian response and the longer-term recovery and reconstruction efforts following the earthquakes that struck Nepal in April and May 2015.

The Government of Canada committed to matching private donations made to eligible Canadian charities in the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund.