Humanitarian need knows no boundaries — and sometimes it arrives on our own doorstep. Wildfires across Northwestern Ontario have displaced more than 1,600 people, forcing entire First Nations communities to leave their homes behind.
Islamic Relief Canada's Disaster Response Team is on the ground in Thunder Bay, standing alongside affected communities.
Working closely with local partners, we've delivered targeted, dignified support where it's needed most. Rather than adding to donated goods — many of which don't fit the specific needs on the ground — we've provided flexible assistance through gift cards, allowing families to purchase exactly what they need.
We've also delivered immediate relief kits to those staying behind to support affected communities, and culturally appropriate psychosocial kits, including beading, sewing, and moccasin-making materials, chosen in recognition that cultural and sacred items can never simply be replaced, only honored.
We're taking a phased approach. With immediate needs largely met, our focus is now shifting toward recovery — supporting the wellbeing of displaced families, strengthening local volunteer capacity, and helping communities prepare for the journey home. We'll remain a steady presence for as long as we're needed.
Wherever crisis hits — overseas or here at home — we stand alongside those affected. No one should have to face this grief and uncertainty alone.
We firmly believe that charity starts at home. This is how real change takes root in the most impactful way.
Our efforts in Canada are focused on youth development, women empowerment, violence survivors, Indigenous communities, newcomer/refugee support, poverty reduction, healthcare and emergency humanitarian response.
Your support today means we can reduce poverty and support the most vulnerable here in Canada .
From coast to coast, let us join hands and meet the needs of our neighbourhoods.
10
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Provinces & Territories
185,000
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Number of rights-holders
93
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Number of projects
$5M
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Total investment in our communities
What Kind of Projects do we do in Canada?
Locally, our projects are centered around the needs of Canadians through partnerships, campaigns and community initiatives:
IR Canada has assisted over 22,000 youth (aged 16-24) by working to improve the welfare of marginalized and economically disadvantaged youth through the promotion of education and mentorship, mental health and well-being, and protection services for at risk youth.
We believe that by empowering our youth through skills development and education we are preparing them for a brighter future.
Whether it is through welcome packages, monthly food support or English tutoring programs, we have supported over 94,000 Refugees and Newcomers by improving access to basic necessities, economic opportunities and education.
Our projects have supported over 14,480 vulnerable women and victims of violence by improving access to safe and inclusive drop-in centers, transitional homes and also, raising awareness through a culturally sensitive approach to prevent domestic and gender-based violence.
We have supported over 45,000 vulnerable and precariously living people to alleviate the effects of poverty by improving access to nutritious food through hot meal services, food boxes and basic hygiene kits.
We are dedicated to building relationships with our First Nations and indigenous communities. We have supported the needs of 12,000 indigenous children and adults by reducing the barriers to employment, accessing maternal health and well-being programs, supporting mentorship of young Indigenous girls through arts and leadership and participating in a national shoe-box campaign empowering young Indigenous children.
We are always ready to answer the call. We have supported 29,722 people through emergency response interventions during the Alberta and British Columbia Wildfires, Quebec floods, assisting the families of the Quebec Mosque shooting and St James Fire.
In 2019, we partnered with Canadian Red Cross to support the training of our dedicated volunteers and respond with CRC when a natural disaster happens.
In partnership with SickKids, supporting the training of five specialty paediatric fellows to build a healthier future for Palestinian children and supporting the Ibn Sina Scholar in Global Health at Sick Kids to facillitate expert studies and improved policies that impact disadvantaged children and families around the world.