Mercy Corps to Hold Portland Vigil for Nepal Earthquake Victims
Candlelight vigil to take place Monday, April 27 at 6:00 pm
PORTLAND, Ore., April 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The humanitarian organization Mercy Corps invites the Portland community to attend a candlelight vigil at its global headquarters on Monday, April 27, to honor and support the victims of this weekend's devastating earthquake in Nepal. The vigil will take place at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Mercy Corps Action Center at 28 SW 1st Ave. Early reports indicate that as a result of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, thousands of people have died, thousands more are injured and buildings and infrastructure are destroyed or severely damaged.
"The people of Nepal are facing an immense catastrophe: 6.6 million people, living in 40 percent of the country, have been affected," says Neal Keny-Guyer, Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps. "We hope the community will come together at Monday's vigil to honor the victims of this disaster and raise awareness for the urgent needs of survivors."
Mercy Corps has more than 90 dedicated team members on the ground in Nepal and on Monday will begin distributing essential items to survivors, including kits with water, clothing and cooking utensils. The government of Nepal has also requested Mercy Corps distribute 5,000 bags of household supplies, 2,000 shelter kits and 5,000 tarps as soon as possible. Seasoned Mercy Corps responders from around the world will soon join our Nepal team to address immediate needs and start to focus on longer-term recovery plans.
All donations collected at the vigil will go to Mercy Corps' lifesaving aid and recovery efforts in Nepal. Donations can also be made online at www.mercycorps.org. Mercy Corps has responded to almost every major global disaster in the last 20 years, notably Typhoon Haiyan in the Phillippines, earthquake in Haiti, famine in the Horn of Africa and tsunami in Japan.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian agency saving and improving lives in the world's toughest places.
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SOURCE Mercy Corps
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