First Week Fundraising Totals Running Ahead of Record 2004 Asia Tsunami

World Vision Disaster Strategist Says Recession Hasn't Stopped American Generosity

SEATTLE, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One week after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, generous donations amaze experts at World Vision, the Christian relief and development organization. Despite a crippling recession and high unemployment, donations to World Vision's Haiti Relief Fund are ahead of the pace set by donors after the South Asia Tsunami of 2004 which killed more than 200,000 and left millions homeless.

Randy Strash, World Vision's Strategy Director for Emergency Response says, "In a disaster of this magnitude, charities typically have three to six weeks before the media and the public's attention shifts." Strash says, "That's how fast this 'Window of Compassion' closes." He adds, "Already, American media is finding other stories to crowd news of the Haiti quake off the headlines. The Massachusetts U.S. Senate race and storms in Southern California are just two examples."

And the poor economy hasn't slowed the pace of fundraising. "Even in tough economic times, Americans continue to give. That kind of generosity continues to amaze us", says Strash. "And we're especially grateful to the small donor (donating between $20 and $100) who uses the World Vision internet site."

To date, a total of $15 million has been has been received, more than $11 million of that coming from internet donors. In addition, more than $3 million has been donated in brand new hospital supplies. World Vision is hoping to raise between $40 and 50 million for Haiti Earthquake Relief. World Vision donors contributed $68 million after the Asia Tsunami; most of that total was raised in the first few weeks. The death toll from the January 12th Haiti quake threatens to be just as devastating.

To Donate to Haiti Earthquake Relief:

Log on: www.worldvision.org

Call: 1-888-56-CHILD

Or Text: "Give" to 20222

Randy Strash has 30 years of experience at World Vision. He is available for interviews.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world's poor, regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

SOURCE World Vision U.S.

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