Thanks Kate!

... Well this thread kicked up a sudden storm of interest, passion and support... it's time Canada, despite Harper's "re-prioritised" aid policy to favour trading partners, got into gear and started sending in some genuine assistance.

And we must, individually. This catastrophe is enormous!

I can't believe how bad things are in Pakistan and how slow we in Canada have been to respond.  I know there have been a lot of articles floating around on why the response has been slow and lots of people have cited donor fatigue, the way the disaster is dragging out, and prejudice against that part of the world.  But with over 175 million people to feed, Pakistan needs our help.  It is the 6th largest country (in terms of population) and now there will be very few fields on which to grow food.  Some of the worst flooding was in the area considered to be the "bread basket" of Pakistan.  Please everyone be generous! 

I'm not surprised that the response in Canada is so slow. There has been no leadership from the Pakistani-Canadian community.

When the earthquake destroyed Haiti, prominent canadians of Haitian origin led the appeal for relief. Michelle Jean and Wycliffe Jean did a fantastic job of organizing and publicity.

No Canadians of Pakistani origin have come forward to lead the appeals. Thus, ordinary Canadians are slow to respond and, frankly, suspicious.

 The problem now is the Taliban. They are threatening to attack aid workers. Workers are taking every precaution but it will sure make people think twice before volunteering as to whether it is worth the possibility of making my spouse a widow(er) over this at the hands of the Taliban?

It is likely an attempt to control the aid, and see that materials and supplies are routed to where THEY (the extremists) want them, such as their own members or to sell and turn a profit. I wouldn't put anything past those guys.  I just feel for the citizens of Pakistan who have suffered from this and now have to deal with corruption blocking the aid. 

The Canadians of Pakistani origin are not jumping to lead the appeals for likely the same reason: Taliban corruption and the possibility of an IED in their mailbox.

That's great news.

As for my own denomination, "FAIR (Fellowship Agency for International Relief) is receiving funds that will be used to provide aid to those who have been traumatically impacted by the flooding in Pakistan. National believers on the ground have responded quickly to the needs and have been able to get some aid into the hands of those in greatest need. They have coordinated a plan to distribute food packages to families that will last an estimated 10 days. The packets include: rice, oil, lentils, sugar, chilis, salt, tea, and soap. Packets include a label clearly identifying the donation as being given from Christians. The team members clearly share with the recipients that the aid is being given in Christ's name." (source: http://www.fellowship.ca/qry/page.taf?id=293 )