List of Top 5 Humanitarian Organizations in Canada

The World Vision International has defined humanitarian crisis as a disaster that occurs when the human, physical, economic or environmental damage from an event, or series of events, overwhelm a community’s capacity to cope. The humanitarian crisis is caused by different factors and as a result, each humanitarian crisis demands a unique solution targeted towards the specific sectors or communities affected. Humanitarian crisis can either be natural disasters, man-made disasters or complex emergencies.

The ongoing humanitarian crises in our world are threatening human health, safety, well being and have costed too many lives in the past few decades. They have caused long-term damage to numerous communities and countries.

Last year the world has witnessed dreadful disasters and humanitarian crises in countries like Syria, Congo, Yemen, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Venezuelan, Libya, Cameroon, and Myanmar. According to a report of IRIN, in  2018 the humanitarian crises in these countries will get even worse. The UN has appealed for record levels of funding to help those whose lives have been shattered but the funding available is insufficient compared to the required amount.

As Syria heads towards seven years of civil war, the violence or suffering will continue to extend. Nearly 3 million Syrians are still living in areas that are hard to reach which means humanitarian aid by the UN is being denied to this population while chemical weapons are being supplied regularly. About 5.5 million Syrians have become refugees  abroad and about 6.1 million are displaced inside Syria and they have taken shelter in tents or in unfinished homes.

Congo’s political crisis prevailing for decades has now exploded into a new civil war indulging South Central of the country in mass butchery and killings. In the Kasai region of the country, about three million people are severely food insecure. The UN has appealed for an $82 billion for Congo but less than 50 percent of the required amount was funded.

Canada has a reputation for extending a helping hand to people in humanitarian crisis. The Government of Canada has mentioned about the rehabilitation of the Syrian refugees in the Annual Report on Immigration 2017 which was submitted to the Parliament. The report says, “The high level of permanent resident admissions in 2016 has featured an extraordinary commitment to resettle Syrian refugees and a renewed focus on reuniting families. More than 62,000 people were admitted to Canada as resettled refugees. These are people who were granted a protected status in Canada through the asylum system and admitted for humanitarian and compassionate considers under public policies.”

Besides the government, various Canadian NGOs and Humanitarian Organizations are working hard to ensure effective and fair humanitarian assistance for people in need around the world. The Humanitarian Organizations in Canada strictly abide by  Protection Principles which underscores that the protection and safety of populations affected by disaster or armed conflict is a vital part of humanitarian response. It also addresses emerging issues like climate change, disaster risk reduction, early recovery of livelihoods, cash transfers and civil-military relations.

Humanitarian agencies in the country are duty bound to provide some key elements as disaster response which includes water and sanitation; food security and nutrition; shelter and non-food items; and healthcare.  These organizations are bound to govern humanitarian action and assert the right of disaster-affected populations to live with dignity, protection, and assistance.

List of Top 5 Humanitarian Organizations in Canada

1 – Acumen Non-Profit Organization

2 – TransparentHands

3 – Partners In Health

4 – Ceres

5 – CARE International

1 – Acumen Non-Profit Organization

Their VISION

Acumen Non-Profit Organization is in first position in our List of Top 5 Humanitarian Organizations in Canada. Neither the markets nor aid alone can solve the problems of poverty. More than two billion people around the world lack access to basic goods and services—from clean water and electricity to an education and the freedom to participate in the economy. They’re here to change that. Their vision is a world based on dignity, where every human being has the same opportunity. Rather than giving philanthropy away, they invest it in companies and change makers.

Their Story

Acumen was incorporated on April 1, 2001, with seed capital from the Rockefeller Foundation, Cisco Systems Foundation and three individual philanthropists. Their desire was to transform the world of philanthropy by looking at all human beings as members of a single, global community where everyone had the opportunity to build a life of dignity. The organization would invest “Patient Capital,” capital that bridges the gap between the efficiency and scale of market-based approaches and the social impact of pure philanthropy, in entrepreneurs bringing sustainable solutions to big problems of poverty.

Their Founder

Acumen CEO and Founder, Jacqueline Novogratz’s work began in 1986 when she quit her job on Wall Street to help open Rwanda’s first microfinance institution, Duterimbere—an experience that inspired her to write the bestseller, The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor, and create Acumen. Indeed, when she founded Acumen in 2001, few had heard of the words impact investing.

Their Partners

When they first began, their vision was to create a venture capital fund for the poor, supported by a global community of philanthropists willing to take a bet on a new approach. They would call their donors “Partners” and treat them like investors because their approach would be to invest together in long-term change. Their Partners come from over 20 countries and include individuals and institutions who believe there’s a better way and are working together to challenge the status quo.

2 – TransparentHands

Fund the Surgeries of Poor Patients by Giving Donation

TransparentHands is in Second position in our List of Top 5 Humanitarian Organizations in Canada. We are blessed with good health and wealth and it’s their duty to further utilize them for the service of mankind. Even a small amount can create a lasting impact on someone’s miserable life. Spend your wealth in a noble cause and change the lives of deserving people of Pakistan. The amount which you’ll contribute towards the surgeries of these poor patients will bring them back to better health and improve their living.

With the help of Crowdfunding by kind donors like you, many people under Transparent Hands were given medical relief. But there are still thousands of people who are in dire need of your support and are waiting for a miracle which could save their lives. Together through fundraising, we can give new lives and hopes to many deserving patients in their country. Let’s unite and make effort in making Pakistan an ideal place to live.

Why Donate to Us?

• You want to save the lives of people by donating for their surgical treatment.
• You need complete transparency of where your donation/charity is going.

Donors can completely put their trust in us regarding their donations and charity. There are many people in Pakistan and all over the world who wish to spend their money on non- profit charity organizations but they are unsure about to whom they should donate. In order to ensure complete transparency, Transparent Hands uploads all the documents with the patients’ success stories so the donors can see that their money is spent on a right cause.

Where Is the Problem?

More than 70 million people in Pakistan are living below the poverty line due to which they are unable to undergo proper health treatment if they experience any disease. Estimated amount of surgery backlog in Pakistan is in millions every year.

• There are not many health insurance plans for underprivileged community. They have to pay out of pocket if they need any medical treatment but due to the limited or no resources, majority is unable to undergo surgical treatment.
• Beyond the cost of the surgical procedure, they might have to pay for pre and post-operative expenses which includes medical tests, medications, hospital stay and other expenses. It is almost impossible for someone who earns less than $2 a day to pay hefty amount for medical relief.
• There is lack of advanced medical facilities and medical professionals due to which lower middle class families are unable to avail treatment facilities.
• There are a limited number of beds in hospitals but the number of patients visiting these hospitals is a lot more.
• Every second patient including a child is put on a long waiting list and during the waiting period, the patient’s health further deteriorates. In most of the cases, patients expire until their turn comes.
• There is no advanced healthcare services in slums due to which majority of people have to rely on quacks in their areas.
• Private hospitals are out of reach for deprived community due to the high costs of consultation fees and surgical procedure.

Role

        Committed to Provide Free Surgeries to Those Who Cannot Afford

TransparentHands is a non-profit organization which is tackling this major healthcare issue of Pakistan with the help of fundraising through its unique Crowdfunding platform. It is registered under Trust Act 1882 as a Trust Organization with a Tax Exemption status under the article 2(36) in Pakistan. Transparent Hands is registered in USA EIN assigned: 47-3564801 as Transparent Hands Foundation US, Inc. with tax exemption status 501(c)3.

TransparentHands conducts the surgeries of deserving patients free of cost at private hospitals with the help of donations and charity. Donors from all over the world can use their online Crowdfunding web portal if they wish to donate. They could select any patient, fund the surgery and receive regular feedback and updates until the patient is recovered completely.

User friendly online fundraising work as follows:

1. Choose the patient whose surgery you want to fund.
2. Choose from a number of payment methods as per your convenience.
3. Donate to that particular patient and get tax exemption.
4. Get regular updates of that patient until he/she gets fully recovered.

What makes us unique is; their transparency level that means donors will be ensured that each penny they are giving will be spent on the needy patient. We do this by uploading all the hospital bills and other documents of their patient after his/her surgery is successfully conducted. Donor can see that the exact amount hospital has charged against the surgery of that particular patient.

-> List of Top 10 Fundraising Websites in Canada

3 – Partners In Health

Their Mission

Partners In Health is in Third position in our List of Top 5 Humanitarian Organizations in Canada. Their mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. By establishing long-term relationships with sister organizations based in settings of poverty, Partners In Health strives to achieve two overarching goals: to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need of them and to serve as an antidote to despair.

They draw on the resources of the world’s leading medical and academic institutions and on the lived experience of the world’s poorest and sickest communities. At its root, Their mission is both medical and moral. It is based on solidarity, rather than charity alone.

When Their patients are ill and have no access to care, Their team of health professionals, scholars, and activists will do whatever it takes to make them well—just as they would do if a member of Their own families or they ourselves were ill.

4 – Ceres

Ceres  is in fourth position in our List of Top 5 Humanitarian Organizations in Canada. Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through powerful networks and advocacy, Ceres tackles the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses.

Their mission:

Ceres is transforming the economy to build a sustainable future for people and the planet.

Their Work

A sustainable economy needs a sustainable planet.

At Ceres, they work to advance sustainability leadership among investors, companies and capital market influencers to drive solutions and take stronger action on the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses.

Sustainability is the bottom line.

Global sustainability challenges are bigger than ever and the urgency for leadership and solutions are paramount. Across the globe, leading investors and companies are accelerating the transition to an equitable, sustainable global economy and planet, while enhancing their bottom line.

With cutting-edge research and high-level engagement, they inspire the most influential investors and companies to integrate environmental, social and governance practices into core business strategies and seize the opportunities embedded in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Ceres also mobilizes these leaders to support the corporate and government policies necessary to build a sustainable future for people and the planet.

Specifically:

• Advance leading practices that ramp up global investments in clean energy and sustainable food and water.
• Set the highest bar for sustainability leadership for Fortune 500 firms and other influential companies.
• Deliver cutting-edge research and innovative tools to educate and inspire leaders across every sector of the economy to take action.
• Mobilize investor and company leaders to advocate for stronger climate, clean energy and water policies at the state and federal level.

The impressive leadership demonstrated by members of the Ceres Investor, Company and Policy Networks and members of the Ceres Coalition proves that positive action on sustainability is not only possible, but it is also good for the bottom line, the economy, people and the planet.

Watch the video below to learn more about how Ceres is transforming the economy to build a sustainable future for people and the planet. 

5 – CARE International

Mission and Vision

Who They Are

CARE International is in fifth position in our List of Top 5 Humanitarian Organizations in Canada. CARE is a global leader within a worldwide movement dedicated to ending poverty. They are known everywhere for their unshakeable commitment to the dignity of people.

Their Mission

CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice.

Their Vision

They seek a world of hope, tolerance and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and all people live with dignity and security.

Their Focus

They put women and girls in the center because they know that they cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities.

Their Values

Transformation

They believe in urgent action, innovation, and the necessity of transformation—within the world and their own organization.

Integrity

They are accountable to the people and partners they humbly serve, transparently sharing their results, stories and lessons.

Diversity

They know that by embracing differences, actively including a variety of voices, and joining together they can solve the world’s most complex problems.

Excellence

They challenge ourselves to the highest level of learning and performance, tapping the best of the human spirit to create impact.

Equality

They believe in the equal value of every human being and the importance of respecting and honoring each individual; they know that change happens through people.

Their Core Values Commitment

This Core Values Commitment describes who they are, what they do, and how they do it. It reflects their Core Values of TRANSFORMATION, INTEGRITY, DIVERSITY, EXCELLENCE, and EQUALITY, which serve as a foundation for all that they do.

Conclusion:

The number of people affected by humanitarian crisis has almost doubled in the past few decades. Climate change, population growth, unpredictable markets, water scarcity, sectarianism and the spreading of the armed groups and extremists are pushing more and more communities to the edge.

Reports suggest that people in Yemen are living a grim life due to two and a half years of war. Almost  84 million people are starving, 400,000 children have severe acute malnutrition and more than 5,500 civilians were killed all due to the ongoing war in the country. IRIN reported that a massive feminine will break out this year in Yemen as Saudi Arabia coalition is continuing to restrict the commercial imports of food and fuel provoking the price to shoot up in the market. Soon those living on the margin will no longer have enough cash to buy the bare necessities.

Last year the world has also witnessed a flow of 655,000 Rohingya refugees inside the territories of Bangladesh. These people were driven out of Myanmar’s Rakhine state. According to the predictions of IRIN 2018 will go even worse for the Rohingya minority as this crisis has shifted from emergency response to a long-term survival issue, which will require funding to keep pace with the pressing needs on the ground.

Among the generous countries who have aided people during the humanitarian crisis, Canada has contributed to Yemen about $65 million to ease human suffering. Canada has also contributed  $6.5 million for the World Food Programme for emergency food and nutritional treatment and support for children under the age of 5 in addition to pregnant and nursing mothers. Canada has stepped up for the Rohingya minority as well by allocating a $50 million for their rehabilitation in Bangladesh.

Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free nation. In order to be tough, a nation does not have to be cruel or heartless. The World Giving Index, commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation, has ranked Canada as the second most generous country in the world based on how the citizens have spent their time with organizations or donated money to charities.

Each time a person stands up for an ideal cause, or work hard to improve the lives of others, they bring tiny ripples of hope and these ripples coherently build a strong current which can break down even the mightiest walls of oppression or resistance.

The day when humanitarian crisis and disaster will disappear, the world will get to see the greatest spiritual explosion humanity has ever witnessed. Humanity cannot survive without love, care, compassion, and kindness.The world belongs to all of us and in order to bring a change, we are the one who should step up and extend our hands to those in crisis.