AARP Foundation Establishes Winter Relief Fund for Older Adults Suffering from the Severe Cold Weather

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Jan 15, 2014, 11:11 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Foundation today announced it has established a relief fund to support older adults suffering from the severe cold weather that has gripped much of the nation. 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 $250,000, which could mean up to $500,000 in aid. The matching program will be administered through AARP Foundation.

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The extreme weather, including record-breaking low temperatures and wind chill, could lead to a crisis for many older adults unless we act now. "Many seniors who struggle with a limited income may face difficult choices in the weeks to come," said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation President. For those older adults who are already living on the brink of survival, the increased heating costs and home repairs required to respond to this recent weather could push them over the edge – with months of winter still ahead.

Ryerson continued, "AARP Foundation's efforts around winter relief offer AARP members and others who are concerned, a way to contribute.

AARP Foundation will focus on states across the Northeast and Midwest and will work with the local AARP State offices to direct funds to organizations providing relief to the most in need.

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 nearly 38 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 Foundation