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Subjects: NPT, CHI, AVO, FVT

Plan International Canada calls on Canadians who are hungry to make a difference with 5,000 food baskets challenge


Gifts of Hope offer a unique opportunity to transform the lives of children in need on Giving Tuesday

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - In celebration of Giving Tuesday on November 28, Plan International Canada is rallying Canadians to unite for children and families in need in developing countries by donating 5,000 food baskets through its Gifts of Hope program. In a world where we produce enough food to feed everyone, 815 million people ? one in nine ? still go to bed on an empty stomach each night, according to the World Food Programme. Even more ? one in three ? suffer from some form of malnutrition.

"As we enter the holiday season that's filled with feasts and indulgences, we're encouraging Canadians to take a meaningful step to help children and their families access essential food and prevent malnourishment," says Caroline Riseboro, President and CEO of Plan International Canada. "With so much attention on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, purchasing a Gift of Hope on Giving Tuesday is a unique opportunity to make a real impact beyond our backyard."

The gift of food is crucial for families in times of environmental or manmade disasters, especially for thousands of pregnant women, mothers, and children under five who are malnourished. Food assistance prevents a slide into a life-or-death situation. Filled with staples including beans, cooking oil, and fortified cereal blends, it's a basic food basket with an impact that is anything but. Food baskets are $50 and one of the highest matched Gifts of Hope, which means that donations are multiplied 10 times for a value of $550.

This Giving Tuesday marks the fifth year of a global movement in the charitable sector that is dedicated to giving back and volunteering.

Hunger and food basket impact stats:

Media assets, including photos and infographics for social media, are available for download.

About Gifts of Hope

Plan International Canada's Gifts of Hope turns holiday gift-giving into life-changing support for children and families in developing countries such as El Salvador, Bangladesh, and Kenya. With 50 gifts like Buzzing beesNewborn checkup and Girl power, Canadians have the chance to give real gifts that change real lives.

Gifts of Hope can be easily purchased online at plangifts.com or over the phone at 1-800-387-1418.

About Plan and the Because I am a Girl initiative

Founded in 1937, Plan International is one of the world's oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, Plan International strives for a just world that advances children's rights and equality for girls. Because I am a Girl is Plan International's global movement to transform power relations so that girls everywhere can learn, lead, decide and thrive.

Visit plancanada.ca and becauseiamagirl.ca for more information.

Join our Gifts of Hope conversations online:

SOURCE Plan International Canada



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