International Red Cross Needs For Tsunami Relief Program Met
News Release: January 26, 2005
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today (1/26) announced that the $1.2 billion (1.4 billion Swiss francs) pledged worldwide in the 30 days since the tsunami was sufficient to meet the costs of the entire Red Cross tsunami relief program.
Following the Federation’s lead, the American Red Cross believes that current contributions and pledges, when received from the American public, will be sufficient to carry out its $400 million immediate and long-term plans to assist survivors of the deadly tsunami.
As part of its commitment to donors, the American Red Cross notifies the public when it has raised enough funds to implement comprehensive American Red Cross relief plans for a particular disaster.
All donations made to the American Red Cross International Response Fund between
Dec. 26, 2004 and Jan. 31, 2005, as well as funds designated for the tsunami relief effort, will be used to support this international response.
The American Red Cross two-phased assistance plan calls for specialized relief immediately and over the long term in these five areas:
• Food and safe water
• Healthcare and disease prevention
• Immediate family supplies
• Mental health counseling
• Disaster preparedness and prevention measures
“Lehigh Valley residents have donated more than $331,000,” said John Hughes, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “And, that money is only just a fraction of the giving, not only to the Red Cross, but also to other humanitarian relief organizations. It’s clear to see that our community is there for those in need.
“Thanks to the generosity of the people in the Lehigh Valley and the rest of the American public, the American Red Cross will be there to provide critical assistance.”
It is important for supporters to fulfill their pledged gifts, including completing special events, corporate matching gifts, and customer and employee donation programs currently planned, advised Hughes. After Jan. 31, those who wish to provide support for tsunami relief should visit the USA Freedom Corps Web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov, which has a list of other agencies engaged in the tsunami relief effort.
In addition to its focus on the tsunami relief efforts, the American Red Cross is also busy assisting people in other parts of the world, responding to disasters across the United States such as the mudslides in California and severe winter storms stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast, and assisting families in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties who have recently been displaced by house fires.
The public is encouraged to continue its support of the American Red Cross at the local, national or international level. To make a contribution, please call 1-800-HELP NOW, visit www.redcross.org or contact the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley at (610) 865-4400.
