AARP Foundation Establishes Relief Fund for Victims of Typhoon Haiyan

Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Foundation today announced it has established a relief fund to support victims devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Yolanda) one of the largest and strongest storms to make landfall in recorded history.  AARP and its members are committed to helping those in need; so to support these emergency relief efforts AARP and AARP Foundation will match dollar-for-dollar contributions up to $500,000, which could mean up to $1,000,000 in aid. The matching program will be administered through AARP Foundation.

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According to news reports, Typhoon Haiyan has left thousands of people dead and hundreds of thousands homeless.  One of the first areas to be hit by the typhoon was the Philippines – this nation is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and has an estimated 1.3 million people aged 50 and older who could be affected.  Many survivors of the typhoon are now struggling to find food and shelter in the sea of debris that used to be their homes and neighborhoods.

"The devastation in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia is immeasurable and we know AARP members want to help," said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation President.  "AARP Foundation's efforts around typhoon relief offer AARP members and others who are concerned, a way to contribute quickly and securely.  Through our secure web site those who choose to give can do so with the confidence that their tax-deductible donations will go directly to those in need."  

In response to the disaster, AARP Foundation will work with relief organizations such as HelpAge, CARE and other groups to provide aid to the victims in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.  Moreover, 100 percent of all funds raised will go to organizations helping the victims of this typhoon.

Ryerson continued, "Through the contributions raised, we will be fueling the work of organizations that have experience addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, particularly in times of tragedy."   

An immediate response to this urgent appeal will allow AARP Foundation to expedite support to those who need it now.  To donate to the relief efforts, please go to: www.aarp.org/disasterrelief. 

About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people, strengthen communities, work more efficiently and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.​

SOURCE AARP