Canadians have donated approximately $20 million to help the drought and famine-ravaged East Africa, the federal government said on Wednesday.
Parliamentary Secretary Lois Brown said that she encourages Canadians to keep donating to the humanitarian coalition set up to combat the effects of famine in East Africa, and that government will continue to match all eligible donations.
"Canadians have a reputation for always helping ease the suffering of others and Canada has a strong history of support for Africa," she said at a news conference.
The federal government has delivered $8.5 million to the relief efforts so far.
The money is part of the $50 million Ottawa pledged in July to help in the poverty-stricken region where residents are now dealing with starvation in addition to war and corruption.
Minister of International Co-operation Bev Oda provided an update Wednesday on the status of Canada's relief efforts, calling on Canadians to give generously.
"I encourage all Canadians to remember their commitment, as well as the courage and tenacity of those who are facing the horror of starvation and extreme malnutrition, when donating to the relief effort," Oda said in a statement.
The government has pledged to match donations made by Canadians up until Sept. 16, and said the humanitarian coalition has already raised $6.5 million through direct donations from Canadians.
The $8.5 million will go to three of the five main partners in the coalition -- CARE Canada, Oxfam and Plan Canada.
Of the total $50 million the Canadian government has pledged, just over half will eventually go to the United Nations' World Food Programme. The rest will go to aid organizations.
Of the dollar-for-dollar donations, where Ottawa matches those of Canadians, the government's portion will go into a relief fund that will be administered by the Government of Canada, "disbursing sums to organizations best suited to make an effective and real difference in the lives of people affected by the drought," said a statement from Oda's office.
The statement acknowledged that corruption is rife in the region and there are serious concerns about whether the aid will actually make it to those who need it.
"We call on everyone in the region to allow vital humanitarian assistance to reach those who need it," said Sen. Andree Champagne in the statement.
Canada's support will be geared towards the provision of food, safe drinking water, proper sanitation and hygiene and emergency health care for those affected by the crisis.
Earlier this year Canada donated $22.35 million to the region through the Canadian International Development Agency, bringing the total to $72.35 million in donations, not including the relief fund for matching donations.
