Six months ago Commons sent $5000 which was then matched by the Canadian government to help care for those impacted by Cyclone Idai. We received an update from CARE Canada on how our funds were used.

On behalf of CARE Canada I wanted to thank you for your generous donation made this Spring to support CARE’s emergency response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai to the people of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Its been 6 months since the cyclone hit, and I wanted to share with you the update of CARE’s work that your generous support made possible.

As I’m sure you remember, in early March severe weather caused flooding in parts of Malawi and Mozambique. This system escalated into tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit close to the city of Beira, Mozambique as a Category 3 cyclone. The storm continued over central Mozambique and into Zimbabwe.

Torrential rains, damaging winds and flooding affected nearly 3 million people across the three countries – with homes, schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure either damaged or completely destroyed. 

In the immediate aftermath of the Cyclone, your generous support provided life-saving assistance to families in need – including tents, food supplies, clean water and hygiene kits.

Your support not only provided this live-saving support but it continues to help families recover from the storm and rebuild their lives – thank you. 

In Zimbabwe, many families are still living in camps established for the storm survivors. Having lost their homes, many of their possessions and often members of their families, these camps provide a safe place for them to recover and rebuild their lives. 

Thanks to your support, a new lighting system was installed in two of these camps in August. A total of 13 outside tower lights were installed, and households were fitted with indoor solar powered lights, a socket for phone charging and small radios. As Zimbabwe is currently experiencing power cuts for up to 18 hours a day, this initiative is making a world of difference for people living in these camps.

Camp resident Gogo Litty Munyardadzi shared that the lights made it easier for residents to access the washrooms at night, “It had been a bit risky to walk to the toilets when there was not enough lighting.”

Children are also benefiting from the new lighting system as they can study in the evening. Kelly Charamba (Grade 7 student) shared, “the lighting has come at the right moment as we are preparing for our Grade 7 exams. We also have more time to complete out homework.”

You’ve truly made a difference in the lives of those impacted by Cyclone Idai, a difference that continues every day.

We couldn’t do our humanitarian work without the generosity of donors like you. Thank you once again for your trust and confidence in CARE’s work.