World Vision rushes vital relief supplies to Haiti earthquake survivors

Afternoon flight out of Denver will carry 18 metric tons of basic supplies to quake zone

DENVER, January 14, 2010 – Today, Christian humanitarian agency, World Vision will rush 18 tons of life-saving supplies from its warehouse in Denver to the island nation of Haiti, which was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Tuesday, which has affected some 3 million people.

These supplies and others already pre-positioned by the aid group will help meet the immediate survival needs of those affected by the quake until rebuilding efforts can begin.

“When emergencies like this earthquake happen, it is critical that people gain access to basic supplies as quickly as possible,” said Amanda Pennington, communications officer for World Vision’s Global Pre-Positioning Resource Network. “We keep supplies like these ready at all times in warehouses around the world, so that we can move immediately when emergencies like this happen anywhere.”

Today’s shipment will include the following supplies:

· tarpaulins for temporary shelter

· blankets

· hygiene kits, which include a month’s supply of toilet paper, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, body soap and laundry soap for a family of five

· cooking sets, which include aluminum pots and pans, bowls, utensils

The flight will leave Denver airport today at 4:30 p.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Port-au-Prince at 6:30 a.m. on Friday.

World Vision has been working in Haiti for some 30 years and had 370 staff members in Port-au-Prince when the quake hit. While World Vision’s office in the capital sustained significant damage, all staff were confirmed safe and are initiating a response to the devastation.

World Vision will be packaging the palettes of supplies and will have staff available for interview between 8 and 10 a.m. CT at its warehouse at 11000 East 40th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239.

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, please visit www.worldvision.org/press.