UN Foundation thanks supporters for generous support of UN relief efforts
Washington, DC (January 19, 2010) - Senator Timothy E. Wirth issued the following statement today in response to the outpouring of support for the UN's emergency response in Haiti:
"As the world paused today to remember the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by people from around the world in the wake of this disaster. Together with our condolences, we offer our support for the men and women of the UN who are working to bring relief to the people of Haiti.
"Immediately after the earthquake, the United Nations' Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) dispersed $25 million to kick-start urgent Haiti relief efforts. The UN's leadership is vital to helping Haiti today, and in the weeks and months to come. The UN is providing help with search and rescue, emergency response, medical treatment, food distribution, and peacekeeping.
"The United Nations Foundation's mission is to support the UN, and in this time of need, we are raising funds for the CERF. We have asked our partners and supporters to join us in helping the UN; the response to this call is proof that the public recognizes the UN's critical role.
"We thank those who have made contributions. Thousands of grassroots supporters across the country have raised more than $500,000, helping the UN deliver food, water, and medical care to earthquake victims. We also recognize our partners and friends who are helping the UN help Haiti through their generous donations to UN efforts, including Expedia, Inc., Blue Sky Foundation, and Share our Strength.
"Many of our friends in the entertainment community are also engaging their networks to garner support for the UN. Recording artist Usher Raymond IV is asking 30 million young people to donate to the CERF, and Linkin Park's non-profit Music for Relief is offering ten unreleased songs from several artists to raise money for Haiti relief. Actor Ashton Kutcher, platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw, and actor Tom Cavanagh are asking their fans, peers, family, and friends to team up with us to help the United Nations."
Editor's note:
To read more about the UN's efforts in Haiti, visit http://www.unfoundation.org/Haiti. Donations can be made on-line at http://www.unfoundation.org/helphaiti. Immediately after the earthquake, the UN Foundation donated $1 million to the CERF.
About the United Nations Foundation
The United Nations Foundation, a public charity, was created in 1998 with entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner's historic $1 billion gift to support UN causes and activities. We build and implement public/private partnerships to address the world's most pressing problems, and work to broaden support for the UN through advocacy and public outreach. Through our campaigns and partnerships, we connect people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The campaigns we conduct reduce child mortality, empower women and girls, create a new energy future, secure peace and human rights, and promote technology innovation to improve health outcomes. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org
Contact: Aaron Sherinian (202) 778-1622; asherinian@unfoundation.org