Operation Hope for Haiti release

World Vision Appeals for $25 Million; $6 Million Raised So Far.
Emergency Distributions Underway; Child-Focused Programs Planned.
World Vision Relief Flight Arrives Today in Port-au-Prince with 18 Metric Tons of Supplies.

MIAMI, FL – In response to the catastrophic earthquake and aftermath affecting every child, family, and community throughout Haiti, Operation Hope for Haiti and World Vision are challenging every person and organization in the area to contribute to the relief response. As the acute emergency phase continues, World Vision is urging cash donations to fund the purchase of more emergency supplies to treat survivors and help save lives.

Operation Hope for Haiti, a network of South Florida community leaders in partnership with World Vision, is deeply involved in the agency’s relief and community development work in Haiti, having supported its work in response to the hurricanes of 2008. These leaders are urging everyone in South Florida to donate whatever amount they can to the emergency response and long-term recovery, preferably through World Vision, given its experience and expertise in the region.

World Vision has more than 800 Haitian staff as well as a dozen international logistics and disaster response experts deploying to launch humanitarian programs not only in the capital city, but also in rural areas and along the border.

The agency had pre-positioned goods in Haiti for disaster response and thus has been able to immediately assist 10 hospitals and approximately 1500 families with items such as gauze, bandages, syringes, latex gloves, antibiotics, and water purification tablets. Additionally, World Vision has been cleared for an airlift of 18 metric tons of emergency supplies into Port-au-Prince from its Global Operations Center in Denver. Arriving today will be more than $75,000 worth of items including, tarps, hygiene kits, cooking sets, and collapsible water containers.

However, demand for these and other critically needed items will far exceed supply. Therefore, World Vision is appealing for at least $25 million from U.S. donors to fund its response in Haiti, and more may be necessary.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of donors already,” said President Rich Stearns of World Vision’s United States office. “But this is a marathon, and we need people who will continue to run that race beside us.”

World Vision is especially concerned for the needs of children, since many have been separated from their families and are traumatized and especially vulnerable. The most urgent needs of children at the early stage are (1) healthcare and basic essentials, (2) reunification and (3) child protection. As soon as World Vision is able, it will be setting up “Child Friendly Spaces” where they have a protected place to be, to play and rest from the trauma, with trained counselors to help begin their emotional recovery from the events.

How to Help:

· Individuals: Go to www.worldvision.org or call 1.888.56.CHILD to learn more and donate.

· South Florida Corporations: Please call Lisa Torres at 305-915-5489

· South Florida Churches: Visit www.worldvisionchurches.org or call Cassie Wyssbrod at 979-679-7261

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.