Ad Council Launches PSAs to Encourage Support for Hurricane Matthew Relief Efforts

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Matthew, the Ad Council is launching television and print public service advertisements (PSAs) today encouraging Americans to make monetary contributions to relief efforts. The PSAs direct audiences to visit HurricaneMatthewHelp.org, where they can contribute to the recovery efforts by donating to organizations, providing relevant and necessary supplies and services to those affected by Hurricane Matthew. The new TV spot can be found here.

Haiti, the Bahamas, and the Southeastern United States have recently experienced destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges from Hurricane Matthew. In Haiti, it is estimated that the storm affected over 2.1 million people, and among that, over 1.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. The strongest storm to hit the Caribbean in nearly a decade, Hurricane Matthew destroyed houses and infrastructure, decimated crops, and knocked out communications. In the U.S., an estimated 2.2 million homes have been impacted and initial estimates indicate damages of over $4 billion.

The PSAs highlight the importance of monetary donations after a disaster because they are the most beneficial way you can help those affected. Monetary donations can be used to purchase materials that are most urgently needed, are easy for donors and versatile for response efforts, and help with long-term recovery.

"Whether you live in a community devastated by Hurricane Matthew or have just watched it from afar, I know we all feel a desire to help our neighbors recover," said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "In times like these, it's important that we ensure that the help given is impactful and a monetary donation has proven to be the most effective way to truly aid those in need."

The PSAs are an extension of the Ad Council's partnership with USAID and CIDI to develop consistent messaging that can be used in times of crisis to encourage people to donate effectively in support of domestic and international relief efforts.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshaling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has affected, and continues to affect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit Adcouncil.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or view our PSAs on YouTube.

SOURCE The Ad Council

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