Canadians understand growing need for international COVID relief

Girl wearing mask wig bag of covid essentials by Children believe

A Children Believe survey reveals strong support for charities helping vulnerable communities globally.

Canadians are willing to do their part to help those in need around the world during the pandemic, reports a survey commissioned by Angus Reid Forum on behalf of Children Believe.

“COVID-19 knows no borders and is wreaking havoc on the lives of children and youth in many of the communities we serve,” says Fred Witteveen, CEO at Children Believe. “Adults cannot work, children cannot go to school, and shortages of food and critical supplies are rampant. I am so grateful, that through the generosity of Canadians, Children Believe has helped 572,000 people thus far during COVID-19. Through prevention messaging and education, the provision of protection supplies and equipment, food rations and food packages given to those in greatest need, mental health supports and learning aids for children, we’ve helped children and families weather this global storm.”

More than 1,500 respondents to the Children Believe survey understand why the need is great.

  • 96 percent agree many people around the world are not as fortunate as us to have the infrastructure and support systems in place during a pandemic
  • Nine in 10 (91 percent) understand communities in vulnerable countries may not have the equipment or medical care to manage the impact of COVID-19
  • Two-thirds (66 percent) are proactively trying to educate themselves on how COVID-19 is impacting other countries

Learn more about the study below and visit childrenbelieve.ca/covid-19 to find out how you can help.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Inspiring Stories

December 2025

Giving clean water is the gift of life

Clean water changes everything. Discover how access to safe water improves health, education, and opportunity for children and families around the world.

November 2025

Follow your impact in real time this Giving Tuesda...

Follow your impact in real time this Giving Tuesday. See how your donation brings clean water to families in India and Ghana with updates, photos, and real stories.

November 2025

Closing the child labour trap

Children Believe helps protect children in Burkina Faso from dangerous gold mining by raising awareness, improving education and strengthening communities.