Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC) is partnering with cbm Canada (formerly known as Christian Blind Mission) to help children in desperate need, especially those with disabilities and their families following the devastating earthquake on January 12 in Haiti.

“This tragedy has deeply affected us all,” says Mark Lukowski, CEO, CCFC. “We believe this is a fitting collaboration with an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world. Together we can begin restoring lives and assisting children as we invest in this and other Haiti initiatives.”

“For every child who has died in Haiti, three will be left with lifelong disabilities,” says Ed Epp, Executive Director of cbm Canada. “The number of children now coping with loss of limbs, loss of sight, and other disabilities is catastrophic. It is critical that organizations work together for the most efficient and effective response.”

CCFC and The ChildFund Alliance - its global partnership including Ireland, Taiwan, New Zealand, and the United States - will make an initial contribution totaling more than $400,000, with $25,000 from Canadians. This will support work for medical care, rehabilitation, and orthopaedic services primarily geared to help children in Haiti.

cbm has worked in Haiti since 1976 and has three child-focused projects in Port-au Prince. CCFC and cbm are working collaboratively with emergency relief specialists to assist the needs of children.

“We are proud to partner with cbm Canada who - like CCFC - is committed to the protection of children and other vulnerable people," says Lukowski. “We want Haitian families to know that we are standing with them in this time of desperate need.”