Chilean Quake Survivors Need Help: PADF

Donations accepted at www.PanAmericanRelief.org

WASHINGTON, March 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With more than 2 million people homeless after the devastating 8.8 earthquake in Chile, the non-profit Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and the Organization of American States (OAS) are seeking donations from companies, governments and individuals to meet the urgent needs of the survivors.

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"PADF is working with civil protection authorities, the private sector and community organizations to provide immediate assistance to Chile," says John Sanbrailo, PADF's Executive Director.

PADF – the natural disaster relief arm of the OAS – is asking for both cash and in-kind donations, including tents, tarps, blankets, tools, generators and similar items. Cash donations may be made at www.PanAmericanRelief.org.

The massive 8.8 quake struck almost seven weeks after the 7.0 in Haiti, where PADF has been one of the leaders in relief and recovery efforts. More than 230,000 were killed in Haiti and more than 1 million are homeless.

"We are providing outstanding service to Haitians and encourage people to continue to show their support through donations," says Sanbrailo. "At the same time, we cannot forget the needs of our neighbors in Chile."

Donations for both Haiti and Chile may be made on PADF's secure website: www.PanAmericanRelief.org. Donations for Haiti are also accepted by a toll-free number: (877) 572-4484. Text HEAL to 50555 to make a $5 donation to Haiti relief and recovery.

About PADF

PADF has more than 150 people throughout Haiti working on a number of projects, including community-driven development, disaster mitigation and protecting human rights.

PADF is an independent, non-profit organization that creates public-private partnerships to assist the least advantaged people in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Through these partnerships and as a unique affiliate of the Organization of American States, PADF creates economic opportunities, strengthens communities and prepares for and responds to natural disasters.

Having worked in every country in the region, PADF engages community-based groups, governments and the private sector in the process of implementing appropriate solutions for sustainable development.

In the past year, more than 5 million people in 18 countries benefited from PADF and its programs. www.padf.org

About the OAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world's oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, which was held in Washington, D.C. from October 1889 to April 1890. Today, it is comprised of 34 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean. www.oas.org

SOURCE Pan American Development Foundation