Haiti Earthquake: Lutheran World Relief Launches Text-to-Give; Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Announces Member Challenge

BALTIMORE, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lutheran World Relief announced today that it is launching a text-to-give campaign to raise funds for its response to the devastating Haiti earthquake. On Friday, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced that they will match members' gifts to LWR for Haiti, giving $1 for every $2 donated. The $1 million challenge, "Helping Haiti," is expected to generate a total of $3 million for Haiti relief through LWR, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod and the Lutheran World Federation.

Starting this Sunday, January 17, to support LWR from your cell phone, just text the keyword "LWR" to 40579 to donate $10. Remember to reply YES to the confirmation. It's quick and easy, and the donation will appear on your next cell phone bill. Standard messaging and data rates may apply.

Thrivent Financial members interested in making a financial gift to help earthquake victims in Haiti can make their donation online at www.thrivent.com/helpinghaiti or by phone at 1-800-236-3736 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. When prompted, please say "directory" then enter ext. 83003. Thrivent Financial will add a maximum of $250 per member donation, and donations will be accepted through March 31, 2010.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti and all those working tirelessly to rescue the thousands of victims," said Bruce Nicholson, Thrivent Financial chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Thrivent Financial and our members want to help in this time of great need. We believe our members throughout the country will give generously to those affected by this catastrophic natural disaster."

"We are so thankful for Thrivent's generosity, and that of their members," said John Nunes, LWR's president and CEO. "With each passing day our help is even more critically needed in Haiti, and these gifts will enable us to reach even more people in desperate need."

He continued, "Thrivent's record of generosity to LWR helped us to mount an effective and comprehensive response to tsunami affected areas while also mobilizing US Lutherans. We look forward to the ways in which this current partnership will do the same."

WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. And has worked in international development and relief since 1945. LWR is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit, Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping approximately 2.6 million members achieve financial security and give back to their communities. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial creates and supports national outreach programs and activities that help congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, visit www.Thrivent.com.

SOURCE Lutheran World Relief