Haiti Earthquake Appeal Issued by PADF

Donations accepted on toll-free number (877) 572-4484

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After the devastating 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti, the non-profit Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is asking companies, governments and individuals for $10 million in order to meet the urgent needs of Haitians.

"This is a critical time for Haiti and our neighbors need our help," says John Sanbrailo, PADF's Executive Director.

PADF -- the natural disaster relief arm of the Organization of American States (OAS) -- is preparing to send emergency relief supplies including food, tools, telecommunications equipment and other immediate relief supplies.

"PADF is working with civil protection authorities, the private sector and community organizations to provide immediate and long-term assistance," Sanbrailo says.

As part of its response effort, PADF is coordinating with other Inter-American partners including the OAS, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture.

At the same time, the non-profit organization is also working with major corporations to coordinate their response. In other recent natural disasters, PADF worked with DIAGEO, Chevron, Royal Caribbean International Ltd., Citi and Federal Express.

Donations may be made on PADF's secure website: www.PanAmericanRelief.org Donations are also accepted by a toll-free number: (877) 572-4484

About PADF

PADF has more than 150 people throughout Haiti working on a number of projects, including community driven development, disaster mitigation and protecting human rights.

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 million people in 18 countries benefited from PADF and its programs. www.padf.org

SOURCE Pan American Development Foundation