Official Statement Regarding Tsunami Relief Fundraising Efforts
On January 26, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced that the $1.2 billion pledged by people across the globe is sufficient to meet the costs of the entire Red Cross and Red Crescent tsunami relief program. Following the Federation’s lead, the American Red Cross believes that current contributions and pledges, when received, will be sufficient to carry out its immediate and longer-term plans to assist tsunami survivors. With this said, the American Red Cross is not actively soliciting funds for the Tsunami Relief Effort, but is still accepting donations that have been collected on behalf of the Tsunami victims. Each and every dollar earmarked for the tsunami relief effort will be used by the Red Cross solely for the purpose they were collected for.
Many donations remain in "pledge" form and, while not yet received by the Red Cross, have been incorporated into funds deemed available for the relief effort. It is important for supporters to fulfill their pledged gifts, including completing special events, corporate matching gifts, and customer and employee donation programs currently planned. These contributions will support the American Red Cross two-phased relief effort which calls for specialized relief immediately and over the long term in these five areas:
- Food and safe water
- Healthcare and disease prevention
- Immediate family supplies
- Mental health Counseling
- Disaster preparedness and prevention measures
All donations made to the International Response Fund between December 26 and January 31 will go specifically to fund the American Red Cross tsunami relief efforts. After January 31, donations not specifically earmarked for the tsunami relief efforts will go into the International Response Fund if this is the fund the donor selects. This fund supports all Red Cross International Relief Efforts on an ongoing basis and is the first resource utilized if additional funds are required in the future for additional Tsunami relief. All funds designated for tsunami relief efforts after January 31, 2005 will be used by the Red Cross solely for the purpose they were earmarked for.
As part of our commitment to our donors, the American Red Cross notifies the public when it has raised enough funds to implement comprehensive relief plans for a particular disaster and that is what we are doing today. We thank you for your continued support of the American Red Cross and truly appreciate your overwhelming generosity.
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