Save the Children to expand Emergency Preparedness Training Program for First Nations in Canada with Grant from GSK

Toronto…June 14, 2016 …In 2015, Save the Children initiated a successful pilot program – funded by the Government of Canada – designed to help First Nations in Canada increase their emergency preparedness. The program ran in two communities, Siksika Nation in Alberta and Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in Ontario. Following the success of this pilot initiative, Save the Children is pleased to announce that a generous grant from GSK in Canada, will allow Save the Children to expand its emergency preparedness training program for First Nations beginning later this year.

A global corporate partner since 2013, GSK has been an ally for Save the Children’s work in training healthcare workers and emergency preparedness and response on a global scale. With a focus on breaking down barriers for children and their families as well as increasing resilience amongst First Nations communities, this evolution of the Canadian collaboration brings not only financial support but also the opportunity to engage GSK employees in activities to support this important issue.

From June 13 – 17, GSK’s “Orange United Week” some GSK head office employees will work with Save the Children to help create emergency preparedness backpacks for distribution across Canada. These packs contain basic supplies, such as hygiene items, an ID bracelet, and teddy bear, intended to be used by children in the event of an emergency. GSK holds Orange United Week annually, a time when GSK employees around the globe raise funds and get involved in support of STC.

This opportunity for hands-on support is one that resonates with GSK employees. “When Save the Children Canada approached GSK with this opportunity to support Indigenous families in emergency preparedness, we knew this was a great match for helping children and engaging our employees. Our employees’ wanted to ‘do something’ and to ‘get involved’ in addition to our ongoing fundraising. We’ve seen the difference that Save the Children teams make in protecting children in vulnerable communities and are proud to be rolling up our sleeves in support of their efforts,” says Paul Lirette, President Canada Pharmaceuticals, GSK.

Save the Children’s focus on emergency preparedness training for First Nations in Canada is part of its commitment to increasing the resiliency of First Nations children and families. “For Save the Children Canada, being able to offer a program at home is very important to us. Our emergency preparedness project recognizes that the needs, strengths, and opportunities of each community are unique and we work collaboratively to identify ways to strengthen communities and create resilience among all generations. This increase in our emergency preparedness initiative will allow us to elevate the scope of our work. Reaching more First Nations children and families and assisting them in preparing for emergencies is a priority for Save the Children, and we’re grateful to GSK for their support in achieving this,” says Patricia Erb, President  and CEO of Save the Children Canada.

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About the GSK and Save the Children global partnership 

In 2013 GSK and STC embarked on an ambitious global partnership to share our expertise and resources with the aim of helping to save one million children’s lives. The partnership goes well beyond the traditional charity corporate fundraising model. We are combining our capabilities in R&D, supply chain, procurement and vaccines with Save the Children’s expertise working with the most vulnerable children.

Since launching our partnership, we have reached over 1.3 million children. Over 23,500 under-fives have been fully immunised, over 125,000 children have been treated for diarrhoea, malaria or pneumonia, and over one million children have been screened for malnutrition.