Washington, D.C. (August 21, 2007) — The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and PADF Chairman, José Miguel Insulza, announced today that the OAS and the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) have rallied several private sector partners to join them in providing more than $155,000 in support of relief efforts in Peru. The recent earthquake that measured 8.0 on the Richter scale has killed hundreds, left more than 17,000 people homeless and many more cut off from basic services. As of this morning Chevron, International Services of Hope, the Citi Foundation, Royal Caribbean Cruises. Ltd., LANChile, Aeropost International Services, Inc., General Motors, the Ricky Martin Foundation, and Feed the Children have contributed to this appeal for relief.
“We are proud of our partners, who have stepped up to the plate to help Peruvians in need at this difficult time,” said Alexander Watson, former U.S. ambassador to Peru and President of PADF’s Board of Trustees.
Explaining why his company joined the efforts organized by PADF and the OAS, Rafael Jaen Williamson—Regional Manager of Policy, Public and Governmental Affairs for Chevron Latin America—said, “We want to help where the needs are and we know that PADF will make sure the relief gets to where it is needed most. We also recognize it is best when we partner with those who know how to do disaster relief. That is why we joined PADF as the first member of their newly launched Disaster Management Emergency Response Program.”
Lula Rodriguez, Managing Director, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Citi Latin America stated, "Citi is pleased to join Chevron in support of the Pan American Development Foundation's relief effort in Peru. Partnering with PADF assures that those in need of comfort and basic necessities will receive them in a timely and orderly way."
The donations will help provide urgently needed emergency supplies, including tents, blankets, plastic sheeting, water purification supplies, building supplies, food, medicines, bottled water, and other immediate needs. The corporate donations will also support transportation and other logistical costs. To continue its response and increase the impact of relief efforts, PADF has opened a special Peru Relief Account to receive individual, private, and corporate contributions for direct assistance to the victims. As the oldest and largest non-profit affiliated with the OAS with over 45 years of experience working in development projects throughout the region, PADF serves as its disaster relief arm in response to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other events.
Over the last two years alone, PADF has worked with the OAS and others to respond to earthquakes, flooding, and other disasters in Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Suriname. The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is a 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1962 through a unique partnership between the Organization of American States and private enterprise to promote, facilitate, and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean through innovative partnerships and integrated involvement of the private and public sectors.
For more information, or to contribute, please contact PADF at the contact information below, or email cherridge@padf.org or pheraud@padf.org or go to www.padf.org to contribute on-line.
Peru Relief Fund
Pan American Development Foundation
1889 F St. NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202-458-3969
