HelpAge USA Collaborates with the AARP Foundation to Aid Survivors of Haiti Disaster

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- HelpAge USA, a relief and development organization focused on the needs of older people in developing countries, today announced a collaboration with the AARP Foundation to aid the survivors of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. AARP Foundation's recently established Haiti Relief Fund will assist HelpAge USA to ensure supplies and emergency support is provided to the countless older individuals and others who are suffering from the disaster.

"We are extremely grateful to the AARP Foundation for its extraordinary generosity," said Marilyn F. Grist, Executive Director of HelpAge USA.  "The Foundation's commitment will make it possible to address the immediate and longer term needs of one of Haiti's most vulnerable and over-looked populations."

The AARP Foundation and HelpAge USA share a common concern for the welfare and special concerns of older people in the U.S. and elsewhere.  The AARP Foundation's parent, AARP, will match each donation to its new Haiti Relief Fund up to a maximum of $500,000. HelpAge USA launched its own Haiti Emergency Response Fund earlier this week as well.

"HelpAge has on-the-ground experience in Haiti and is the only international relief agency that focuses on the unique needs of older people in an emergency," said AARP CEO Barry Rand. "They will be a great asset in this effort."

To learn more about what HelpAge USA is doing to help respond to the Haiti earthquake, or to make a donation to the Haiti Emergency Response Fund, visit www.helpageusa.org or send a check to HelpAge USA at 4750 41st St, Suite 410, Washington DC 20016.  

HelpAge USA

HelpAge USA, an affiliate of HelpAge International, builds awareness of global aging issues among US audiences; advocates for the empowerment of older, vulnerable adults in the developing world; and raises funds to support the programs of the HelpAge network. HelpAge International helps older people around the world lead full and secure lives. It is the only global network focused on the needs and rights of vulnerable older people.

AARP Foundation

The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP. For more information about the AARP Foundation, please log on to www.aarp.org/foundation.

SOURCE HelpAge USA