Feds to match up to $1.5M in donations to ‘Canada Strong’ fund
Posted February 23, 2020 1:13 pm.
Last Updated February 23, 2020 1:17 pm.
TORONTO (NEWS 1130) — The Government of Canada says it will match $1.5-million donations made to a fundraising campaign for victims of the Iran plane crash in January, essentially doubling the initiative’s total funding goal.
The “Canada Strong” fund was spearheaded by Mohamad Fakih, founder of the Paramount Fine Foods restaurant chain, to help cover funeral costs for the victims of the Iran plane crash.
Toronto Mayor John Tory commended Mohammed Fakih for his drive and determination.
“I want to … thank Mohamad Fakih, I think like my fellow mayors, and like the MP’s, I called myself the front man to introduce him to people because there were restrictions on our abilities to raise money, and also a bit of a back room advisors to just help him,” he says.
Proud to join @MohamadFakih8 and elected officials to share that the #CanadaStrong Campaign raised $3,293,624 through donations and federal matching funds to help the families of the victims of Flight 752. pic.twitter.com/ejmEvebyMG
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 23, 2020
The ‘Canada Strong’ campaign has beaten their $1.5-million goal and the Federal Government has pledged to match the donations.
Funds will be available to victims’ relatives who live outside of Canada if no next of kin are in Canada.
In addition, the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) announced lawyers in their immigration law section are launching an initiative to provide immigration-related legal services free of charge to those affected by the Ukrainian Airlines tragedy.
They say their volunteers either speak Farsi or Ukrainian or have staff who do so. Eligibility for free services will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
The CBA lawyers are offering initial legal consultations, reviews of visa applications and advice to those changing their status.
