(877) 572-4484 to donate to PADF-OAS relief efforts

WASHINGTON, March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Donations are requested for Chilean relief and to help a group of specialized children's clinics that were damaged by the earthquake and aftershocks, the non-profit Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and the Organization of American States (OAS) announced.

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"Americans have been very generous during natural disasters and I commend them for their support," says John Sanbrailo, PADF's Executive Director. "We're asking them to help Chileans after the massive earthquake."

PADF -- the natural disaster relief arm of the OAS -- is seeking both cash from and bulk donations of specific relief supplies, including satellite telephones, tents, electric generators and portable dialysis machines. Cash donations may be made at www.PanAmericanRelief.org or by calling (877) 572-4484.

In addition to general relief, PADF is raising funds to support three regional burn centers for children called Coaniquim, which are located in the hard-hit areas of Chile.

"PADF and one of its corporate partners have assisted the children's centers for two years and we believe in their mission," says John Sanbrailo, PADF's Executive Director.

Six days after the massive 8.8 earthquake, Chile continues to be face strong aftershocks, including two on Friday that measured 6.0 and 6.6. More than 800 people are confirmed dead. Two million people were affected by the disaster.

The 8.8 quake -- the world's fifth largest since 1900 -- struck almost seven weeks after the 7.0 in Haiti, where PADF has been one of the leaders in relief and recovery efforts. More than 230,000 were killed in Haiti and more than 1 million are still homeless.

"We are responding to Chile's needs, but we also ask the public to continue to donate to Haiti relief and recovery efforts," says Sanbrailo.

Donations for both Haiti and Chile may be made on PADF's secure website, www.PanAmericanRelief.org, or by calling (877) 572-4484.

About PADF

PADF is an independent, non-profit organization that creates public-private partnerships to assist the least advantaged people in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Through these partnerships and as a unique affiliate of the Organization of American States, PADF creates economic opportunities, strengthens communities and prepares for and responds to natural disasters.

Having worked in every country in the region, PADF engages community-based groups, governments and the private sector in the process of implementing appropriate solutions for sustainable development.

In the past year, more than 5.6 million people in 18 countries benefited from PADF and its programs. www.padf.org

About the OAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world's oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, which was held in Washington, D.C. from October 1889 to April 1890. Today, it is comprised of 34 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean. www.oas.org

SOURCE Pan American Development Foundation

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