Aware of their social responsibility, the Ricky Martin Foundation and Popular, Inc. have forged a historical alliance for the wellbeing of thousands of children who were left homeless in the devastating wake of hurricane Katrina.

Both organizations place their confidence in people's solidarity to help the most fragile and vulnerable victims of this atmospheric catastrophe. On Thursday the 15th and Friday the 16th of September all Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Banco Popular North America, and Popular Financial Holdings branches will become collection centers for diapers, clothes, and educational toys for children. The Salvation Army will distribute the donated goods to various relief centers in Texas and other areas that were devastated by the hurricane.
 
"The value of social responsibility is one of the pillars of our organization. At Popular, we always strive to make a difference in the lives of those affected by tragedies such as Katrina, and this will not be the exception. I speak for everyone at Popular when I express my deepest solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the southern United States and hope they know that they are not alone," said Richard L. Carrión, Chief Executive Officer of Popular, Inc.

"Being in Houston allowed us to join in solidarity with the youngest survivors of hurricane Katrina. I talked to them, listened to their stories and understood their fears. In Thailand we bore witness to a rebirth after the tsunami. I profoundly thank Popular, Inc. for joining this fight, this alliance to benefit our children," said Ricky Martin, founder of the Ricky Martin Foundation, who was in Houston last Friday, September 9th visiting the Astrodome, the Reliant Center, the Daycare Center and the Texas Children's Hospital.  
 
In addition to the collection of goods, the Ricky Martin Foundation launched the Life for the Katrina Children Relief Fund at the www.rickymartinmusic.com site with a seed donation from Popular, Inc. The funds raised will go to various organizations  specialized in providing aid to children who survive emergency situations, said Angel Saltos, Executive Director of the Ricky Martin Foundation.

With this alliance forged by two humanist Puerto Ricans, we capture the generous spirit of our people. These will be 48 hours of hope for future generations.

To make a donation to the Life for the Katrina Children Relief Fund, please visit www.rickymartinmusic.com. For a listing of Popular branches in Puerto Rico and the US, please visit www.bancopopular.com.