ERDO Foundation
The ERDO Foundation (Emergency Relief and Development Overseas) is a Canadian public foundation and registered charity focused on international humanitarian aid, poverty alleviation, and community development. Established in 1983 by The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) in response to the Ethiopian famine, ERDO operates as the humanitarian arm of the PAOC[2][4][5].

Background

ERDO was founded following the 1983 Ethiopian famine, which claimed over one million lives. The organization emerged from a biblical mandate to “do good,” initially addressing food shortages and later expanding to provide crisis relief, child sponsorship, and long-term community development[2][5].

Programs and Operations

ERDO’s work is divided into three core areas:

• Crisis Response: Provides emergency aid during disasters, including food, water, shelter, and medical supplies. Notable responses include the Rohingya refugee crisis, Syrian refugee support, and post-disaster recovery in Nepal and the Philippines[4][5].
• Community Development: Partners with local churches and organizations to deliver sustainable solutions such as vocational training, agricultural support, and infrastructure projects. These programs aim to reduce long-term poverty and foster self-sufficiency[1][5].
• Child Sponsorship: Through its ChildCARE Plus initiative, ERDO supports education, healthcare, and nutrition for children aged 0–18 in disadvantaged communities[1][4].

Affiliation and Partnerships

ERDO collaborates with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and the Humanitarian Coalition, leveraging partnerships to amplify its global reach[5]. The organization emphasizes community-led approaches, working directly with local leaders to design culturally relevant interventions[5].

Recognition

Charity Intelligence Canada rates ERDO as a 5-star charity, highlighting its financial transparency, reasonable overhead costs, and measurable impact[5]. The foundation holds a B+ grade for results reporting, reflecting its commitment to accountability[5].

Governance

As a public foundation, ERDO operates under the legal designation 875910705RR0001 and adheres to Canada Revenue Agency guidelines for registered charities[3][4]. Its programs align with a Christian mission to promote “social, economic, and spiritual potential” while prioritizing human dignity[4][5].

[1] https://erdo.ca [2] https://erdo.ca/about-us/get-to-know-us/ [3] https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/erdo-foundation/875910705RR0001/ [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/erdo/ [5] https://www.charityintelligence.ca/charity-details/646-erdo