Annual

Report

Annual

Report

2024

Our mission is simple.

TO BUILD RESILIENT COMMUNITIES, ACROSS BORDERS, FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COME.

Message from
our Board of Directors & CEO

Since 1984, IDRF has implemented relief and development projects across territories in South and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Americas, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Our projects stand on four pillars:

Community-Centered
Approach:

In all our work, we account for local interests and priorities. We aim to bolster communities by employing locals, and sourcing our supplies from local businesses.

Sustainable
Development:

We facilitate long-term growth for the communities we work in. We rely on the experience and knowledge of people on the ground, closest and most familiar with the situation and those affected.

Respect and
Inclusion:

In all our work, we account for local interests and priorities. We aim to bolster communities by employing locals, and sourcing our supplies from local businesses.

Equity and
Accessibility:

We tailor our programs to give vulnerable populations equal access to support services, without discrimination.
All our work is community-led — we are driven
by you, the communities that support us, and the
communities we serve.

This was your
impact in 2024.

With your generous support, we were able to touch the lives of 4,321,634 people across 34 countries.

815,355

people received food assistance
through food parcels and vouchers

162,495

people supported with
emergency response

701,270

people received clean water,
hygiene and sanitation services

356,264

people received health care
services

52,962

people received educational
support

8,067

people received support to start
businesses and receive training

We work with trusted partners and community leaders around the world who share a common belief — that everyone deserves the resources and opportunities to be self-sufficient. We have supported long-term development and emergency programs in 34 countries around the world, implementing 100+ different projects.

We know
a brighter Future
is possible

Emergency
Response

Together, we helped communities envision a life beyond the crisis.

For those recovering from tragedy, you brought new beginnings. For those who continue to grapple with conflict, you continue to bring renewed hope, day in and day out.

For the last 40 years, we have responded to communities facing conflict, natural disasters, economic crises, across the world.

Our efforts focus on both short-term interventions and long-term rehabilitation. In addition to emergency relief efforts, we work to empower communities reeling from crises through collaborative, sustainable development. This year, we helped empower 2,237,216 people in crisis around the world.

1,237,216

people supported with emergency response

We do this by prioritizing sustainability through our Respond, Rebuild, Recover, Resilience implementation process during an emergency response:

1. Respond

Our response efforts include providing essential items to help as a means for people to survive. This includes emergency first aid, food, health care support, water, hygiene, and sanitation items.

2. Rebuild

Once immediate needs are taken care of, we focus on rebuilding the infrastructure of communities across the affected region. We do this by creating new infrastructures or rehabilitating what already exists. This includes shelter rehabilitation and access to clean, drinkable water.

3. Recovery

With a focus on long term recovery, we then focus on building accessibility towards prosperous futures. This is done by providing access to; livelihood training, installing water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructures and providing educational assistance. We do this by supporting small businesses, reconstructing schools, and operationalizing educational activities.

4. Resillience

Ultimately, IDRF’s goal is to ensure vulnerable communities are more resilient by providing programs that help communities become self-sufficient and avoid falling into more risk if this disaster were to occur again. IDRF does this by establishing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programs within local communities.

Gaza Emergency Response

IDRF has been on the frontlines in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

With the help of our local team in Palestine, we have established a strong presence in Gaza for the last three decades. This allowed us to respond to the crisis swiftly — and we continue to do so, every single day.

Our efforts on the ground in Gaza focus on providing critical support, including:

317,282

people supported through food

parcel distributions.

6,000

hot meals were distributed

every day

78,000

individuals received fresh produce every week

100,000

people provided with 330,000 litres of water everyday  

144,000

people across the Gaza Strip have received hygiene items and health care supplies

366,789

people received daily support through temporary medical points and hospitals offering essential services like medication and check-ups

281,900

people were supported with temporary shelters in tents, schools, and hospitals  

50,000

children received psychosocial support 

 

The Future of Food Security

According to the World Food Programme, 343 million people worldwide are experiencing acute hunger.

This crisis is driven by a variety of factors, including global inflation, conflict, political instability, climate change’s impact on agriculture, extreme weather events, mass displacement, and disruptions to supply chains and healthcare systems.

A world where everyone has access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food is a world that thrives. Our “Brighter Future” strategy aims to address food insecurity through long-term, sustainable solutions, improving food distribution and boosting both economic and agricultural growth.

In response to escalating food insecurity, 967,457 people in 12 countries through IDRF’s food programs. 

967,457

people received food assistance

Sudan

The brutal conflict in Sudan since April 2023 has forced millions of people to flee their homes, leaving more than 12 million Sudanese people displaced.

The vast majority—over 10 million people—remain within Sudan, representing the largest displacement crisis in the world.

In addition to the displacement crisis, floods in Sudan have severely damaged the Arba’at Dam, impacting 20 villages downstream. The floods have affected over 317,000 people across 16 states, with 118,000 displaced and thousands of homes destroyed.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Sudan is grappling with severe food insecurity, with over 25 million people facing acute hunger across the region. Public health is at risk with threats of waterborne diseases, respiratory illnesses, and vector-borne diseases, affecting the most vulnerable, notably women and children. Amidst mass displacement and reports of mass killings, humanitarian access has been severely curtailed, making it extremely hard for aid to reach vulnerable communities.

This year, IDRF provided and is continuing to distribute emergency food parcels and tents to support the most vulnerable. These efforts have reached 13,500 people across Sudan, ensuring they have access to essential necessities to tide them through the crisis.

13,500

people supported in Sudan

Somalia

Decades of conflict, displacement, and natural disasters have left over 3.6 million people in Somalia facing acute hunger, with 1.8 million children suffering from malnutrition.

The crisis has been worsened by prolonged droughts, recurring floods, desert locust infestations, and economic instability. The ongoing climate crisis continues to severely impact the Horn of Africa, further exacerbating these challenges.

In response, IDRF has supported 138,261 people with food this year, providing vital aid to families affected across the country.

138,261

people supported in Somalia

Yemen

Yemen remains one of the world's most dire humanitarian crises, with over 17.6 million people struggling with food insecurity, according to the World Food Programme.

Families across the country face immense challenges accessing basic necessities, with economic instability, displacement, and recurring climate shocks leaving millions unable to provide food for their loved ones.

In order to alleviate food insecurity while supporting the local economy, we provided food vouchers to families in Hadhramout. In total, we supported 15,000 people with food aid in Yemen.

15,000

people supported in Yemen

Droughts and floods have displaced my family, pushing us into a camp. Providing basic needs has been tough. I am so grateful for the aid I received because I can now support my six children.

Maliha

Water for All

Around 2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water.

As the climate crisis worsens, water resources are increasingly under threat due to droughts, overburdened water tables, and flooding. By 2025, UN-Water estimates that 1.8 billion people will live in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity. Women and girls continue to remain disproportionately affected, taking long, gruelling journeys to collect water.

At IDRF, we are committed to improving access to clean water as a fundamental human right. Through our mission to build a “Brighter Future,” we work to rehabilitate water infrastructure, provide WASH education, distribute hygiene products, and enhance water technology. In conflict zones, we use water trucking to ensure immediate access to clean water. 

We recognize that water and sanitation are central to sustainable development. Going forward, IDRF aims to improve water security for the most vulnerable communities by:

  • Ensuring management structures that are gender-inclusive
  • Creating multi-use water systems to provide for communities, healthcare facilities and agriculture
  • Continuing to build and rehabilitate water wells that will be supported and maintained by the local community

This year, our efforts reached 1,452,597 people, providing them with access to clean water and essential hygiene services.

1,452,597

people received clean water, hygiene, and sanitation services

Kenya

According to UNICEF, over 8.5 million people in the Horn of Africa are experiencing critical water shortages.

In Kenya, approximately 15 million people lack access to safe drinking water, exacerbated by severe drought conditions. This has forced countless families to leave their homes in search of clean water, leading to mass displacement, worsening hygiene conditions, and disease outbreaks.

To address this crisis, IDRF has supported 78,750 people in the region by providing access to clean water, helping to improve health and living conditions for vulnerable communities.

78,750

people supported
in Kenya

Pakistan

According to the UN almost 44% of the population in Pakistan lacks access to safe drinking water.

Climate change has led to erratic rainfall patterns and glacial melt, further straining its water resources. Over-extraction of groundwater and pollution exacerbate the situation, leaving rural communities and urban areas alike struggling for access to clean drinking water. This has led to a steady increase in the risk of waterborne diseases.

Pakistan's per capita water availability has plummeted from 5,000 cubic meters in 1951 to less than 1,000 cubic meters today, signaling an urgent need for conservation and sustainable water management.

To address the pressing water crisis and ensure communities have access to safe drinking water, we are developing sustainable water facilities for households and schools in underserved areas. By combining technology, community involvement, and education, we delivered innovative solutions, and empowered families in Pakistan.

38,375

people were provided access to clean water in Pakistan

Chad

Over half of Chad's population lacks access to clean and safe drinking water, according to the United Nations.

The country faces a severe water crisis driven by persistent scarcity, inadequate access to safe drinking water, and significant challenges in sanitation and hygiene. These issues stem from a combination of factors, including harsh climate conditions and socio-economic challenges. Inadequate water infrastructure, such as a lack of wells and water treatment facilities, increases the risk of waterborne diseases, which further exacerbates the crisis. This disproportionately affects vulnerable groups like women and children, who often spend hours fetching water.

Throughout 2024, we have provided clean water, hygiene, and sanitation services to 59,722 people across Chad, helping alleviate some of these critical challenges.

59,722

people supported
in Chad

Water and food are our daily sources of happiness. I am so grateful because I no longer have to walk long distances in search of water; we have what we need right here.

Sakina, Kenya

Better Health, Brighter Futures

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right.

In many regions, marginalized communities face challenges such as geographic isolation, financial constraints, and systemic discrimination that limit their access to essential medical care.

Ensuring the right to health requires not only providing healthcare facilities, but also empowering communities with the necessary resources and training. In addition to investing in lifesaving healthcare facilities across the globe, we help communities become active agents in their own wellbeing. When they are equipped with knowledge about health, preventive care, and first aid, they become active participants in their well-being and resilience.

Training and education in healthcare create a powerful ripple effect that extends far beyond immediate benefits, improving health outcomes for generations. This long-term impact ensures that investments in training and education build a foundation of resilience, self-reliance, and sustained improvements in healthcare access and quality.

440,617

people received health care services through IDRF programs

Guyana

Guyana’s mental health crisis is a complex issue, fueled by a cascading effect of factors like poverty, pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness, easy access to lethal chemicals, widespread alcohol misuse, interpersonal violence, and family dysfunction.

These challenges are compounded by insufficient mental health resources, leaving many individuals without the support they desperately need. To address this crisis, we are working to reinforce mental health facilities in Guyana through innovative, community-based approaches.

Our Community Gatekeepers Program trains teachers, religious leaders, local officials, business owners, and other community members to identify and support those experiencing a mental health crisis. These gatekeepers are equipped to provide immediate intervention, connect individuals to professional resources, and foster a culture of compassion and understanding.

Our goal is to build a sustainable network that addresses mental health challenges at a grassroots level.

593

people were trained in Guyana for the Mental Health Project

Pakistan

According to UNFPA Pakistan, every 50 minutes a woman dies due to pregnancy complications. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for accessible and skilled maternal healthcare services.

Many deaths are due to preventable causes such as hemorrhage, sepsis, and obstructed labor, often exacerbated by delays in accessing care in rural and underserved areas. Training midwives is a critical step in addressing this crisis.

Midwives play a vital role in providing prenatal care, managing safe deliveries, and recognizing early signs of complications to ensure timely referrals. They also serve as trusted community health workers, educating families about maternal health and hygiene.

By expanding the midwifery workforce, especially in remote regions, we’re empowering women in Pakistan.

13,777

women supported by midwives trained through IDRF

India

India is facing a significant healthcare crisis, with millions of people, especially in rural areas, lacking access to quality medical care.

The country’s healthcare system is burdened by inadequate infrastructure, an insufficient number of healthcare professionals, and a growing gap between demand and available services.

Our goal is to address these challenges by constructing world-class, well-equipped, multispecialty clinics that bring accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved populations. By providing quality primary health care services, we aim to bridge the gap, ensuring that underserved communities receive the care they need.

11,584

people were supported through health projects in India

This year, attending the Gatekeepers workshop on mental health and suicide prevention inspired me to become more actively involved in my community. The program provided me with valuable tools and skills to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

Abegale, Guyana

Education is the Future

Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, dream, and thrive.

Across the world, around 250 million children are out of school. This lack of opportunity creates barriers, prevents progress, and reinforces cycles of poverty, leaving many without the resources to grow and build a future for themselves.

Through IDRF’s educational and vocational training programs, we are committed to providing children and youth with the essential knowledge and skills to help them become self-sufficient and confident in pursuing their dreams.

Our “Brighter Futures” approach goes beyond academics. In addition to schooling, we ensure that children have access to clean water, nutritious meals, school supplies, and psychosocial support. These resources create a nurturing environment where they can focus on learning and growing to their full potential. This year, 111,073 people received educational support through IDRF.

111,073

people received education support

Pakistan

Children in Pakistan face severe challenges, including poverty, malnutrition, limited access to education, and widespread child labour.

The impacts of climate change add to Pakistan’s challenges with frequent floods, heatwaves, and droughts affecting the economy, agriculture, and public health.The 2022 floods alone have caused mass devastation across the country.

With your support, we have provided students in Kaghan Valley with quality education and essential resources to enhance their learning experience.

In addition, we have launched Education in Emergencies, establishing 42 temporary learning centers that offer education, programs for young girls, WASH, nutrition, and psychosocial support, with a special focus on programs for young girls. This initiative has reached thousands of children across Kaghan Valley, Karachi, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

34,500

people were provided access to education in Pakistan

Turkiye

Turkiye is home to the largest population of Syrian refugees, facing numerous challenges as they rebuild their lives in a new environment.

With over 3.4 million Syrians now residing in Turkey, the majority live in urban areas alongside other refugee groups in search of safety.

In response to urgent needs for psychosocial support, education, and skill development, essential services have been implemented to assist both refugees and the host community in coping with these challenging circumstances.

Programs focus on creating child-friendly spaces, providing vocational training, and offering language courses, which help build connections and a sense of security. Through these initiatives, refugees and local communities alike are better equipped to rebuild and thrive together.

27,360

people were provided access to education in Turkiye

Somalia

With conflict spanning decades, the threat of displacement, natural disasters, and high costs have left over 3 million children in Somalia without an education.

Poverty and the lack of supportive school environments drive high dropout rates, with families often forced to prioritize food over school supplies or hygiene kits.

Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation, few trained teachers, and limited learning materials make learning difficult, leaving many children unable to pursue higher education.

With your support, we provided educational programs for IDP children in Somalia, providing care, school supplies, and free breakfast. Additionally, our vocational programs help youth develop skills in technology, tailoring, as well as beauty and salon services.

5,000

people were provided access to education in Somalia

Against a backdrop of poverty and ongoing recovery challenges, rural communities in Pakistan are among the most affected. The scarcity of educational facilities, particularly for girls, furthers the cycle of poverty.

Aliya

Training for Their Future

Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve financial independence and take charge of their future.

The global economic crisis, exacerbated by the aftermath of COVID-19 and ongoing conflicts worldwide, has left millions struggling to secure stable livelihoods. Marginalized populations are particularly hard-hit, with limited access to education and employment opportunities perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

To address this, training programs and access to resources are essential in empowering youth and adults alike to develop valuable skills. IDRF’s programs provide participants with technical expertise, job readiness, and entrepreneurial capabilities, fostering economic independence.

112,674

people received training and support

Yemen

Yemen continues to grapple with conflict, food insecurity, and economic collapse.

Compounding these challenges is a significant gap between population growth and agricultural productivity, which has severely impacted livelihoods. Youth and women, in particular, face dwindling employment opportunities in agriculture.

IDRF is promoting sustainable agricultural development to revitalize the sector and empower small farmers. Through holistic capacity-building, we aim to integrate farmers into the agricultural labor market. These efforts not only enhance local food production but also create sustainable employment opportunities, helping to rebuild Yemen’s economy and support vulnerable communities.

88,000

farmers in Yemen were supported

Afghanistan

Decades of conflict, political instability, and limited access to education have exacerbated unemployment, particularly among young men and women eager to support their families.

In response, our vocational training program is empowering individuals to learn essential skills like tailoring, carpentry, and carpet weaving — industries with significant local demand. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, equips participants with the tools and knowledge to integrate into the job market, achieve financial independence, and sustain themselves.

6,298

received vocational training for programs in Afghanistan

Morocco

Despite progress in recent years, women in Morocco often face systemic barriers, including unequal access to education, restrictive social norms, and underrepresentation in the workforce. Many women are confined to low-paying or informal jobs, with little opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

Early marriages and high rates of gender-based violence further exacerbate these challenges, leaving women, particularly those who are divorced, widowed, or single mothers, in vulnerable positions. Our culinary training program seeks to counter these disparities by equipping women with practical skills and work experience, creating a pathway to financial independence.

The program provides internships and employment opportunities in hotels and restaurants in Marrakech, helping participants to support themselves and their families while challenging societal norms and fostering greater equality.

30

women were trained in our culinary program in Morocco

The program provided the space for me to become who I am today. It gives me hope for a better life, it helps me move forward.

Ilham, Morocco

A Brighter Future at Home

Setting young Canadians up for success.

In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to equip young Canadians with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

Many lack access to job training, mentorship, and resources, leaving them at a disadvantage in securing their futures. Investing in tailored training programs, career development resources, and support networks empowers these young individuals to overcome challenges, build confidence, and gain valuable skills.

7,227

Canadians received training and tutoring support

Women in Tech

Heading into its sixth year, our Women in Tech program is empowering young women to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry by teaching them foundational web development skills.

This past year, participants were trained by past graduates who have become professional web developers, creating a supportive and relatable learning environment for novice coders. To further enhance opportunities, IDRF awarded full scholarships to select participants, enabling them to attend an intensive 12-week Web Development Bootcamp to become Full-Stack Developers.

By offering this program with no tuition costs, Women in Tech removes financial barriers, ensuring that all participants can access high-quality education and take the first steps toward thriving careers in technology.

We strongly believe that the core of relief and development lies right here in Canada, within our local communities. Our efforts in Canada focus on youth empowerment, women empowerment, gender inclusivity in the workforce, and economic development.

57

women were trained in web development, data science, and insurance programs.

Licensed 2 Learn

Through our free peer-to-peer tutoring programs, we have supported thousands of students in Canada.

We train and certify high-achieving students to volunteer as tutors, who mentor their peers facing academic challenges. These tutors conduct one-on-one sessions in subjects like math, English, and science, offering personalized support tailored to each student’s needs.

By making peer tutoring accessible to all, we continue to bridge educational disparities, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, graduate, and reach their full potential.

7,000

students received peer tutoring assistance in L2L

Get Job Ready

Many youth and recent graduates are navigating an increasingly competitive job market in Canada.

Tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse learner communities, the Get Job Ready program covers a range of critical skills, like developing a personalized networking strategy, acing job interviews, and building financial literacy. Additionally, participants receive training in soft skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, problem-solving, social cohesion, and leadership.

We provide holistic mentorship to youth, allowing them to enter the job market with confidence.

170

youth were trained in career readiness at Get Job Ready

Driven by our Mission. Inspired for the future.

It takes a team of dedicated collaborators, working toward a meaningful goal, to effect change. We are grateful for the ongoing generosity of our donors, and the support of gift-in-kind partners for their commitment to the world’s most vulnerable

Expenditures

90.1%

of your donation goes to relief and development

  Programs        90.1%

  Fundraising    8.4%

  Admin                   1.2%

  Other                    0.3%

 

Statement of Operations

REVENUE202420232022
Donations and fundraising events30,449,27320,212,86413,698,265
Donations in kind10,204,0704,984,9663,251,501
Other income92,660129,856-3,033
TOTAL REVENUE40,746,00325,327,68616,946,733
EXPENSES – PROGRAM SERVICES
International Projects :30,666,76320,565,34514,371,083
Food Security9,629,3775,479,8795,081,795
Emergency Relief13,046,7917,589,1893,563,684
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)835,4902,614,1672,803,161
Health3,836,9803,577,4601,554,624
Education2,919,0051,014,069842,504
Economic Development399,120290,581525,315
Canadian Projects :5,791,9592,138,5502,109,392
Emergency Relief523,799482,824979,491
Food Security2,255,775541,060631,971
Education505,703550,103484,965
Health1,126,289564,56312,965
Educational Development130,081104,68392,328
TOTAL EXPENSES36,588,80322,808,57816,572,803
SUPPORTING SERVICES
Amortization63,39067,62870,422
Fundraising3,161,6022,121,4371,437,005
General and administrative391,581314,049296,577
TOTAL SUPPORTING SERVICES3,616,5732,503,1141,804,004
TOTAL40,205,37625,311,69218,376,807
EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES540,62715,9941,430,074

Thank you to every one who has contributed over the past year.

Volunteer with us

Donate

Fundraise with us