Embassy of Ecuador Partners with U.S. Fund for UNICEF to Raise Funds for Children Affected by Earthquake

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Apr 26, 2016, 04:47 ET

NEW YORK, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Embassy of Ecuador together with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF today announced a fundraising partnership to support the children affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck the country on Saturday, April 16.

More than 655 people lost their lives in the Pacific coast of Ecuador as a result of the earthquake– a number which is likely to rise given that over 8,000 people were wounded. Hundreds are still missing and more than 29,000 people are in shelters. Of those affected, more than 250,000 are children who are in need of urgent assistance. Several UNICEF teams are in the hardest hit areas of Ecuador, assessing children's needs and coordinating the response. An appeal of $23M was launched by UNICEF and humanitarian partners last week to support relief and recovery efforts.

"The Embassy of Ecuador encourages those who wish to help those affected to donate funds through UNICEF. We are longtime partners and are confident that they are best poised to deliver assistance – including urgently needed supplies, clean water and sanitation support to prevent the spread of disease, education and psychosocial assistance to help children cope with the trauma they have faced," said His Excellency Francisco Borja Cevallos, Ambassador of Ecuador.

"For more than 40 years, UNICEF has partnered with the Government of Ecuador to provide healthcare, access to education and protection for children. In this time of catastrophic need, we are working around the clock in partnership with the Embassy and Consulates to raise critically needed funds for the children of Ecuador," said Caryl M. Stern, President & CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

The Embassy of Ecuador and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF are encouraging those who wish to help to make monetary donations. UNICEF has an extensive infrastructure in place for procuring and distributing materials in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide. Donated goods must be screened, sorted, stored, transported and delivered, resulting in higher associated costs and delays in reaching those who need relief and supplies most. By prepositioning supplies and purchasing from regional or local sources, UNICEF eliminates expensive transportation costs, funding which can help purchase more supplies rather than being spent on shipping.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF will provide donors and the Embassy with accountability for donations, and receipts for tax purposes.

How to help:
For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to UNICEF's relief efforts, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:
Website: www.unicefusa.org/ecuador (English) or www.unicefusa.org/apoyeecuador (Spanish)
Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS
Text: Text "Relief" to 864233 (UNICEF) to make a $10 donation
Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10038

Find us on Twitter: @unicefusa; join us on Facebook: UNICEF-USA

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF