The University of Waterloo's Orphan Sponsorship Program has partnered with IDRF, one of Canada's top 100 charities, to raise $3,000 in support of emergency relief for the people of Palestine.

The crisis in Gaza has reached an unprecedented level of devastation. Since October 7th, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, with almost 70% of the victims being women and children. The entire population of 2.2 million Gazans now requires urgent humanitarian assistance.

Two years later, as of October 8, 2025, the first phase of a ceasefire agreement has been reached. Yet the humanitarian emergency remains severe. Essential supplies — including food, clean water, medicine, and fuel — are still extremely limited. Entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed, hospitals and shelters are overwhelmed, and families continue to face life-threatening conditions every day.

There can be no meaningful recovery without sustained access to life-saving aid, the restoration of basic services, and long-term support for families who have lost everything. Daily life in Gaza has become a constant struggle for survival. Ongoing violence, displacement, and shortages of basic necessities have left families in urgent need of assistance. Vulnerable groups — children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities — face heightened risks and require immediate support.

How IDRF is Helping

In response, IDRF is working on the ground with trusted local partners to provide life-saving assistance, including:

Clean drinking water

Emergency food parcels

Medical and hygiene essentials

Psychosocial support for children

Temporary shelters for displaced families

This ongoing crisis makes continuous aid essential to sustaining life in Gaza. Your support ensures that critical assistance reaches those who need it most, every single day.

Thank you for standing with the people of Gaza during this critical time. Your generosity delivers vital support and hope amid the devastation.

Donations of $10.00 CAD or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt from IDRF.