January 14, 2010

San Diego-based Project Concern International (PCI) has initiated an immediate response following Tuesday's devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti, which, according to preliminary news reports, has possibly claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands and affected an estimated 3 million people. PCI, in collaboration with local and international partners, has mobilized its emergency response team in Port-au-Prince. In the coming days, we will focus our efforts on delivering hygiene kits and other emergency supplies, water, food, medicines and medical equipment to those most affected. We will also be working with local organizations to create a "response network" on the ground. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti as they face unfathomable challenges in the immediate aftermath of this horrific tragedy," said George Guimaraes, PCI's President and CEO. "PCI is on the ground in Port-au-Prince to help alleviate suffering and provide immediate assistance to the survivors. We will do everything we can to reach out to those affected in this time of great need." Full release.

The Verizon Foundation has awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to World Vision and Food for the Poor to assist the victims of the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti. In addition, the Verizon Foundation will match 1-to-1 every dollar donated by Verizon employees to the two nonprofit organizations, up to $1,000 per employee, through the Verizon disaster relief incentive program. "The magnitude of the devastation in Haiti is almost unfathomable," said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. "Verizon employees are always eager to assist those affected by tragedy, and through the disaster relief incentive program, the impact of their generosity will be doubled. Our hearts go out to all affected by the earthquake, and we will continue to explore ways to assist relief efforts." Verizon Wireless customers can aid the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti by texting "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10. There are no text-messaging fees, and 100 percent of each $10 donation goes to the American Red Cross. The Verizon Foundation's $100,000 award consists of grants of $50,000 each to World Vision and Food for the Poor. Full release.

Travel Guard announced today that it will provide free emergency travel and medical assistance services to travelers and families affected by this week's earthquake in Haiti. Services available through Travel Guard include coordination of emergency medical arrangements and evacuations, temporary lodging, cash wire transfers, passport replacement, translation services, message relay, emergency travel arrangements, and luggage tracking for items lost during the quake. Travel Guard is also coordinating with its network of medical and evacuation specialists and air ambulance providers to monitor evacuation and assistance needs and facilitate evacuations from the area. Travelers in Haiti or their family members are encouraged to contact Travel Guard's assistance coordinators for travel help or assistance in communicating with family members at home. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all whose lives have been devastated by this tragic event," said Dean Sivley, CEO of Travel Guard North America. "We have a number of Travel Guard customers who are in the area and we are diligently working to provide the assistance they need including medical case management, relaying messages to family members and coordinating emergency travel arrangements. We are also extending these services to any U.S. and Canadian travelers and their family members who have been affected by the quake. We feel it is an important part of our social responsibility as a global provider of travel insurance plans and assistance services." Full release.

Given the unprecedented tragedy in the wake of the Haitian earthquake, the Independent Pilots Association – UPS pilots union – is supporting the relief effort by establishing an electronic volunteer database for its members. "This is not the first time our members have stepped-up and volunteered their services to move aid to a disaster area," said Capt. Robert Thrush, President of the IPA. "Back in 2005, more than 500 IPA crewmembers volunteered to staff flights into Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana to help alleviate the suffering from hurricane Katrina." The Independent Pilots Association is the collective bargaining unit that represents the 2,800 professional pilots who fly UPS's large jet fleet. Full release.

Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Cedric Perus, humanitarian coordinator in Port-au-Prince for international aid agency Oxfam, said: "I have seen wounded people flooding into the hospitals and buildings of several stories high that are now totally flat. Several thousands have probably died in the quake, but it will take time to get a full picture. Bodies may stay under the rubble for a long time because it is difficult to access some sites, and heavy lifting equipment is in limited supply. "There are bodies all over the city. People have nowhere to put them so they wrap them in sheets and cardboards in the hope that the authorities will pick them up. People have also piled bodies in front of the city's main hospitals. "Oxfam's teams have now started to assess the scale of the disaster across the different parts of Port–au-Prince as some have been more severely affected than others. The epicenter was near the slum of Carrefour, where people were living in flimsy shacks. There are reports that over 90 percent of its buildings are in ruins. "Our immediate priorities will be providing safe water and shelter material for the people who have lost their homes. Many people have lost their homes and were sleeping out in the open last night. There has been no rain yet, but there was rain earlier in the week and if it comes again, it will make the situation much worse for all those made homeless by this quake. It is dangerous at night. Lootings were widespread and some markets were ransacked." Full release.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this afternoon following President Obama's speech on the disastrous earthquake and ongoing relief efforts in Haiti: "On behalf of all Members of Congress, I echo President Obama's message to the Haitian people today: 'You will not be forsaken. You will not be forgotten.' In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you. "President Obama is personally focused on ensuring the swiftest possible response to the situation in Haiti and he has made this a top priority for our nation. The American response is being coordinated across multiple agencies of our government and ably led by Secretary Hillary Clinton, U.S. SOUTHCOM Commander General Douglas Fraser, and USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah. Members of Congress are committed to helping the Haitian people recover from this disaster and rebuild their homes, communities, and lives in the days and weeks to come. "Our brave men and women in uniform and aid workers are mobilizing to relieve suffering and ensure security. The International Red Cross and other aid organizations are leading a major disaster relief effort and generous Americans are donating significant funding to disaster relief organizations. The rescue, recovery, and reconstruction efforts will be challenging, but Haitians should know that help is on the way from the American people. Full release.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels today, Vice President/High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton made the following statement on the situation in Haiti: "Let me begin by saying once again that the thoughts of people all over Europe are with the victims of this terrible tragedy and with their families. "I know that the scenes of devastation and suffering we have seen have moved us all. I for one am determined to do everything I can to translate that emotion that we all feel into action. Our goal now must be to work to help those who need it most. "Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti who have suffered enormously and lost so many of their loved ones. There are also a large number of EU citizens who are unaccounted for. We also know that the United Nations have suffered terrible losses and I have expressed my condolences earlier today to Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary General. But also the EU Delegation in Port-au-Prince is still missing one person. Full release.

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is mobilizing health experts to assess the impact of yesterday's earthquake on the health situation in Haiti and working with other United Nations agencies, international partners, and local authorities to mobilize and coordinate relief and recovery efforts focused on the quake's survivors. In addition to causing unknown deaths and injuries, the 7.0-magnitude earthquake destroyed or severely damaged at least eight health facilities, including at least four hospitals (see PAHO Situation Report). Compensating for the lost health services will be a key part of the relief response, noted Dr. Jon Andrus, PAHO's Deputy Director, in a press briefing today. Full release.

CARE has launched a global appeal for $10 million to help the survivors of Tuesday's devastating earthquake in Haiti. The exact death toll is unknown, but aid groups are estimating that three million people – that's one-third of Haiti's population – are affected and in need of assistance. CARE has shipped water purification sachets from nearby Panama to Port-au-Prince and today deployed additional emergency relief staff to the capital, including personnel who were part of the response to the devastating Hurricane Hanna in 2008. CARE plans an initial 10-ton distribution of high-protein biscuits from warehouses in Haiti, enough for 60,000 emergency meals. And CARE is working together with the World Food Program, which is airlifting 86 metric tons of additional biscuits – enough for half a million emergency meals – from its satellite logistics hub in El Salvador. Full release.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is working as part of the coordinated United Nations response and with other partners to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those who have been affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Experts are carrying out assessments in Port-au-Prince to determine the extent of the human toll and material damages in as much detail as possible. "UNFPA extends solidarity, compassion and sympathy to the people of Haiti who are suffering from the devastating consequences of the earthquake. We are sending reproductive health supplies to meet the special needs of women, to prevent women from dying in pregnancy and to ensure safe deliveries," said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA's Executive Director. UNFPA is prioritizing assistance to pregnant women in the impacted areas who are especially vulnerable during the crisis. It is estimated that one quarter of the impacted population are women of childbearing age, with thousands of pregnant women among them. Haiti has the highest rate of maternal death in the region—670 deaths per 100,000 live births—and with limited or no access to health facilities, pregnant women are at an even greater risk for complications and death related to pregnancy and childbirth. Full release.

The Amway family of companies expresses shock and sadness regarding yesterday's devastating earthquake in Haiti, as well as deep concern for the country's residents. While we have no offices in Haiti, we do have a few hundred Independent Business Owners (IBOs) selling products through our Amway Global division. It's quite likely numerous IBOs were directly impacted by the earthquake, and we are checking on them as thoroughly as possible. The company is quickly exploring numerous ways to assist the disaster relief efforts. We also are considering options that may provide opportunities for our employees and IBOs around the world to help. Amway will donate $100,000 among the American Red Cross and the SOS Children's Village to aid in relief efforts. We have also dedicated an area of the Amway Web site where IBOs and employees can donate directly to the Red Cross. This will be published to www.amway.com later this morning. Amway will match donations made on its site for relief efforts in Haiti. "We are fully committed to offering assistance quickly and meaningfully," said Jim Hunking, managing director of Amway operations in the Caribbean. "Our IBOs and employees have always responded generously in the past, and we look forward to their support again. Full release.

In an opinion piece recently published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa lauded his country's unfettered commitment to winning a 25-year war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant group seen as one of the world's most violent terrorist organizations. In How Sri Lanka defeated terrorism, President Rajapaksa explained how Sri Lanka's struggle was "a victory for global democracy and demonstrates that a workable model exists for eradicating terrorism, a model from which the international community may yet gain valuable insight." "Now the hard work of reconstruction begins," President Rajapaksa added. "We are redoubling our efforts to rejuvenate democracy across our country, revive the economy, and reconcile any differences. As the global community watches, Sri Lanka recognizes the need for transparency of action. Our aim is to deliver a prosperous and peaceful future to every Sri Lankan, whatever their race, culture, or religion." Full release.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that it will provide donations of medicines and money for victims of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti on January 12. "The current situation in Haiti is a profound human tragedy," said Robert L. Smith, president of the Lilly Foundation. "The significant number of casualties and widespread property damage require an urgent and compassionate response. We hope Lilly's contributions will help ease some of the suffering, and aid in the recovery efforts." Lilly has initially pledged $250,000 in direct cash contributions. Half of this amount will be for short-term relief, with the balance donated over the next 12 months in support of the longer-term rebuilding efforts. The company will also match contributions of its U.S. employees, up to a total of $250,000. In addition, Lilly will work with non-governmental organization partners working in Haiti on appropriate donations of medicines. Full release.

American Red Cross and HOPE worldwide volunteers, armed with fire safety tips, will canvass neighborhoods in more than 40 cities across the country for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, which occurs this year on January 18—the day Dr. King's birthday is commemorated. During the holiday weekend conversations with residents, and bilingual printed materials, will educate people on ways to prevent home fires and protect themselves should they experience a fire. The initiative takes place in the dead of winter, the time of year when the most home fires occur. "Home fires can frequently be prevented," said Scott Conner, senior vice president of American Red Cross Preparedness and Health and Safety Services. "We are encouraging people to think about fire safety as they cook and heat their homes. The American Red Cross appreciates the work of HOPE worldwide volunteers who make it possible to reach thousands of people with our fire safety messaging." Full release.

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA), along with certified organic personal care brands Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, Intelligent Nutrients, and Organic Essence, today filed a complaint with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), requesting an investigation into the widespread and blatantly deceptive labeling practices of leading "Organic" personal care brands, in violation of USDA NOP regulations. To view the complaint, go to: http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare. The complaint, filed collectively on behalf of 50 million consumers of organic products, argues that products such as liquid soaps, body washes, facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizing lotions, lip balms, make-up and other cosmetic products produced by twelve different corporations have been advertised, labeled and marketed as "Organic" or "Organics" when, in fact, the products are not "Organic" as understood by reasonable consumers. "Unfortunately, the hands-off regulatory approach by the USDA's National Organic Program during the Bush years failed to protect consumers from deceptive labeling in the personal care marketplace," said Ronnie Cummins, Executive Director of the Organic Consumers Association. While the USDA enforces strict standards for the labeling of organic food, the NOP has not enforced the organic regulations in regards to personal care. "Given the increased resources and staffing at the National Organic Program under Obama, we're optimistic that the situation will be rectified before too much more damage is done," added Cummins. Full release.

Following the strong earthquake that was felt all across the Caribbean, many companies and organizations have coordinated numerous efforts to gather resources to help the impoverished nation and its victims. So is the case with the regional pollster Asisa Research. The company has decided to take an active role in the joint efforts of the international community, taking advantage of its office location in Santo Domingo, DR, where the company holds a regional operation center. The company has decided to focus only on temporary housing for the earthquake's victims, so that families are not separated: tents, blankets, kitchen utensils as well as leak-proof fabric. The regional agency is asking contributors to bring or ship their contributions to their Miami office located at 814 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Suite 518 in Miami, FL 33134. Full release.

In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, USAID is providing 14,550 tons of food aid which will help feed 1.2 million people for two weeks and is valued at approximately $18 million, to assist those affected by the disaster. In order to expedite delivery, the food aid will come from the Title II prepositioned stocks in Jascinto, Texas. It will include 7,000 tons of rice, 4,550 tons of corn soy blend (CSB), and 3,000 tons of vegetable oil. The food will be distributed by the United Nations World Food Program and Private Voluntary Organizations. "Food aid will be critical in the coming weeks," said USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah. "By acting quickly now, we can help those most affected by this disaster in their time of need." Full release.

Today, In response to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12th, World Vision is working with corporations throughout the United States to assess current needs and devise both short-term and long-term responses to assist children and families in the hardest hit communities. World Vision, which has worked in Haiti for three decades, has some 370 staff on the ground and has begun an immediate response to help serve the roughly 3 million people in the heavily impacted Port-au-Prince region. In anticipation of disasters, World Vision already had relief supplies in Haiti and will begin distributing them as quickly as possible. However, more supplies will be desperately needed and the organization plans to purchase them immediately, most likely in south Florida or the Dominican Republic. Full release.

Archive of Previous Posts