Results Canada recognized International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, 2021 with its first-ever #EndPoverty Challenge call-to-action in October to stand in solidarity with those living in extreme poverty. Participants were asked to fundraise to directly support the work of Results Canada in addressing the issues involved in extreme poverty that are being exacerbated by COVID-19.
And rise to the Challenge you did – thank you!
More than 300 volunteers, supporters, staff, board, partners, friends, and family contributed to the Challenge by participating, donating, or raising awareness (or all!) to bring awareness to those living in extreme poverty that lack health services, education and even the most basic survival necessities of food and water.
Together, we surpassed our CAD$15,000 goal and raised over CAD$17,156 – and counting.
With October 17 being globally recognized by the UN as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, it was chosen as the rallying point for Results Canada to raise money to support its ongoing work to end extreme poverty.
The day was marked with the grim fact that there has been an unprecedented rise in people living in extreme poverty due to COVID-19. Now for the first time in a generation, the quest to end poverty has suffered a setback. About 120 million additional people are living in poverty due to the pandemic, with the total expected to rise to about 150 million by the end of 2021. This represents by far the biggest blow ever since extreme poverty rates began to decline in the 1990s.
Being 100 per cent independent from corporate funding or government donations, Results relied on the participants and donors of this #EndPoverty Challenge to bring a bold and impactful campaign to life – one which addresses economic opportunity.
In recent years, Results’ advocacy efforts have been focused on advancing global health equity and education for all. Given the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the livelihoods of those living in poverty, Results wanted to scale up their advocacy to support those who require opportunities to start or expand micro-businesses to lift themselves out of extreme poverty.
The funds raised from the #EndPoverty Challenge will help to finance the research, staff capacity, and volunteer tools needed to advance the work of economic opportunity. Thanks to the participants and donors of the #EndPoverty Challenge, the issue can now come into sharp focus. Campaign development that will include volunteers, partners and champions is already underway.
Here’s what our participants had to say about the #EndPoverty Challenge:
Her words about the Challenge were so powerful she was published in the Ottawa Citizen and The Hill Times!
Pay more attention to growing poverty by Istahill Daoud
I am writing this from a suburban neighbourhood with a roof over my head and access to clean running water. I have the means to pay my tuition and had easy access to two doses of the COVID vaccine. It is a privilege that I am writing about poverty and not living it.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Oct. 17, goes all the way back to 1987. On this day, many gather to show solidarity for those in need. Poverty is a violation of human rights yet the quest to end poverty has experienced a huge setback. According to the World Bank, global extreme poverty rose in 2020 for the first time in more than 20 years as the pandemic exacerbated climate change and conflicts. The Bank estimates that 120 million additional people are living in poverty as a result of the COVID-19, with the total expected to rise to about 150 million by the end of this year.
These numbers represent by far the biggest blow since extreme poverty rates began to decline in the 1990s, impacting not only income but health care, the quality of education, nutrition, access to clean water, and the battle against other epidemics.
As a society, we are constantly focusing on our jobs, school, etc. I am guilty of this as well. I try to challenge myself to do research on our global issues. We should all spend Oct. 17 donating and advocating for this cause and educating ourselves to learn how we can all help all year-round. No action or sum is too small.
Chris thanks all participants and donors for their dedication and passion, and for surpassing the 2021 #EndPoverty Challenge fundraising goal. Watch her full video.
To see more fundraisers, donors and staff who participated throughout the month of October as part of the #EndPoverty Challenge, see our photo album on the Results Canada Facebook page.
If you could not join us or still want to do more, consider becoming a monthly donor so that the work of Results Canada is consistently supported throughout the year – even $10/month can make a big impact.
See our donate page for more information, and stay tuned for opportunities to participate in #GivingTuesday – the biggest global movement for giving and volunteering - taking place on November 30, 2021.
Again, a heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in participating in our #EndPoverty Challenge.
With so much gratitude,
Results Canada staff