War Child Canada Backgrounder Key information about War Child Canada • Founded in 1999, War Child Canada is a registered charity that provides humanitarian assistance to children affected by war and generates awareness, support and action for children’s rights everywhere. • War Child Canada’s international projects support children in conflict affected areas worldwide. War Child Canada is recognized for the positive impact they have on children as well as for their innovative approaches to international development. War Child Canada is currently operational in a dozen war torn regions worldwide including Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur, Northern Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. • War Child Canada also aims to empower young Canadians to become effective leaders in local, national and international arenas, and to mobilize them on Canada’s global priorities. Many musicians including Chantal Kreviazuk, Our Lady Peace, Radiohead, Keane, Sum 41, Avril Lavigne and the Tragically Hip have consistently lent their voices to the cause. • Governed by a Board of Directors, War Child Canada receives support from the music industry, the media, the public and private sectors, and individuals. • War Child Canada’s President, Dr. Eric Hoskins oversees War Child Canada’s financial and fundraising initiatives. A physician and activist, Dr. Hoskins has two decades of experience working extensively with the United Nations and non-governmental organizations in some of the world's most heavily affected conflict areas. Recognized in Canada and internationally for his expertise on humanitarian issues and the recipient of several prestigious awards, Dr. Hoskins was most recently appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada by the Governor General. • War Child Canada’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Samantha Nutt is a medical doctor with more than a decade of experience working in war zones. She has helped children in some of the world's most violent flashpoints, working with War Child Canada, the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Iraq, Burundi, northern Uganda and the Thai-Burmese border. Chosen by Maclean's Magazine for their annual Honour Roll as one of "12 Canadians making a difference", she is a role model to many Canadians and has received numerous humanitarian awards for her work in support of war-affected children including Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award (Report on Business). • War Child Canada is part of an international network of independent organizations which include War Child UK and War Child Netherlands. • War Child Canada administers War Child in the USA. 1 War Child Canada’s programs and initiatives Assistance to war-affected regions • Working directly with local partners War Child Canada provides timely, effective and sustainable support to thousands of children and their families in conflict and post-conflict communities. Their humanitarian programs focus on education, HIV/AIDS, psychosocial rehabilitation, child rights, health and vocational training for children and youth. • Projects include the HIV/AIDS Orphans Development Project in Ethiopia; Girl’s Education Initiative in Northern Uganda; School Rehabilitation and Revitalization Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Iraq Rehabilitation Project, to name a few. Connecting with Canadian musicians • Many of Canada’s leading musicians have generously donated their talent to support War Child Canada’s awareness and fundraising efforts. These artists are a vital part of War Child Canada’s work. • By performing at concerts, producing songs and albums, accompanying War Child Canada staff to war-affected regions and participating in highly acclaimed documentaries like Musicians in the War Zone and ROCKED: Sum 41 in Congo, War Child is fortunate to have the support of leading Canadian artists who help to draw attention and raise funds for waraffected communities. • Select Canadian celebrities who have worked with War Child Canada include Avril Lavigne, Leonard Cohen, Alanis Morissette, Angelique Kidio, Barenaked Ladies, Bruce Cockburn, Chantal Kreviazuk, Choclair, K’naan, David Usher, Kibwe, Maestro, Our Lady Peace, Raine Maida, Sarah McLachlan, Sam Roberts, Sum 41, Tegan and Sara, The Rascalz, The Tragically Hip and Joni Mitchell. Engaging students and youth • War Child Canada is committed to ensuring that young people across North America have a voice on global issues and are able to transform their passion into action. War Child Canada recognizes the powerful impact that youth can make, not only in helping to shape and inform the charity’s programs but also in being a driving force for global change. • War Child Canada offers several awareness and fundraising programs targeted for young people between the ages of 15 – 24: o Keep The Beat: War Child Canada’s non-stop music fundraising events keep the music going for 1, 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours and can take place in your school, community, college, university, workplace or home. www.keepthebeat.ca o get loud: A one-of-a-kind website that plugs youth into the world and issues around them. www.getloud.ca includes fact sheets, links and discussions boards. 2 War Child Canada merchandise • War Child Canada also sells celebrity-designed greetings cards, clothes, DVDs, music and books to support their fundraising efforts. • All merchandise is available for purchase online at War Child Canada’s website. How to make a donation • War Child Canada gratefully accepts donations from individuals and corporations. One-time or ongoing donations can be made via phone, mail or online at War Child Canada’s website. Cheques, money orders or credit cards are accepted and tax receipts will be issued. For more information about War Child Canada, visit www.warchild.ca. 3