TORONTO : A new non-profit organisation has been launched in Toronto by the members of the Sri
Lankan-expatriate community in Canada with the mission to help victims of disaster,
by providing essential aid and alleviating rural poverty.
The International Human Relief Canada (IHRC) was formally introduced at an event chaired
by the IHRC President Shiraz Mohideen and graced by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to
Canada U. L. Mohammed Jauhar, along with other distinguished invitees.
Speaking at the event, the President of the IHRC described the mission as “simple yet
profound” to provide humanitarian aid to those in greatest need, particularly in areas
affected by conflict, disaster, and poverty, regardless of gender, race, religion, or political
affiliation. He emphasized that the aim was not only to offer immediate relief, but to foster
long-term, systemic change by collaborating with local leaders and communities. He also
announced that the organisation had been recognized as a charitable entity by the Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA).
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Mohammed Jauhar commended the
initiative of launching a charity aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, including in Sri
Lanka, irrespective of their background. He noted that the objectives of the IHRC align with
the priorities of the government of the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake,. The High
Commissioner also highlighted the importance of maintaining the charity status recognised
by the CRA by maintaining transparency, accountability, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
IHRC has already commenced operations in Sri Lanka and has donated medical supplies
worth over 25 million Sri Lankan Rupees to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo.
Ongoing IHRC projects include orphan sponsorships, distribution of essential food items to
those in need and assistance to underprivileged school children.
