UNICEF HOUSTON RESPONDS TO PERU EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

UNICEF Raises Funds to Provide Support and Relief to Devastated Region

HOUSTON (August 21, 2007) – According to the latest official report issued by Peru's National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) the death toll from last week's earthquake has risen to 503 dead and 1,042 injured. In addition, 34,410 houses and four hospitals were destroyed. In response to this disaster, The Texas Chapter of UNICEF has mobilized to raise US$100,000 to provide emergency support and relief to these victims in the form of water-purification tablets, water containers, oral rehydration tablets and water tankers. To date the chapter has raised US$44,000 toward its goal. “We must act now. Human life is at stake. We can save lives with your generosity. There are urgent needs to provide supplies, to give children and their families clean water, medical support and comfort,” said UNICEF Regional Board Chair, Dr. Carolyn Farb, h.c., who went on to say “UNICEF has the commitment, infrastructure and the courage and passion of its field workers to save lives. The children of Peru are in a state of chaos from the earthquake, and it is up to all of us to open our hearts.”

In addition to a mass appeal to all local UNICEF supporters and the community-at-large, UNICEF was the beneficiary of an event at Josephs Shoe Boutique hosted by Shirley and Alfred Wexner in the Highland Village Shopping Center. The renowned shoe designer Stuart Weitzman made a guest appearance and all funds are going directly to aid the children of Peru who have been affected by the earthquake.

UNICEF's representative for Peru, Dr. Guido Cornale, stated that “an immediate response is essential in order to prevent diarrhea in children, which is quite frequent when entire neighborhoods collapse, no safe water is available and sanitary conditions are very limited.” In view of such circumstances, UNICEF has already supplied 90,000 chlorine tablets, 540 large plastic containers with lids and faucets, 300 chlorine measuring devices and 20,000 DPD tablets which will help provide safe drinking water to the affected children and families.

UNICEF said these actions were just the beginning of its support for the relief effort. Over the next two weeks UNICEF will also be working closely with state and national officials to provide US$200,000 for the response phase and approximately US$300,000 for the reconstruction phase.
Currently UNICEF is taking any and all emergency monetary donations to assist in these relief efforts. For more information on UNICEF's relief efforts or to make a life saving tax-deductible donation to this worthy cause please contact:

John M. Tsacrios, Jr.
Executive Director
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
713.963.9390
www.unicefusa.org