Interlex Helps Launch Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Campaign

Interlex Helps Launch Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010

Washington, D.C.– Haiti’s worst earthquake in over 200 years has taken the lives of tens of thousands and threatens millions more in the aftermath. As agency of record for the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), Interlex is working with an organization poised to make a difference with a very strong presence on the ground in Haiti. The PADF – a DC-based non-profit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States – provides economic development, human rights and disaster relief throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. The PADF has over 150 staff members on the ground in Haiti, placing their team in the midst of this tragedy since before it began. Additionally, the PADF’s field team in the Dominican Republic piled into trucks and drove overnight towards the Haitian capital to assist.

Immediately, the Interlex creative and PR teams began work with the PADF on a disaster relief campaign, which was created, approved and produced within the first 48-hours following the earthquake. Given the logistics, the best way most Americans can help is via monetary donations, which can be made safely through the PADF at PanAmericanRelief.org or by calling toll-free at (877) 572-4484. Donations are tax deductible. Additionally, the PADF is working with corporations wishing to donate bulk supplies or services. Partners already include: Chevron, Royal Caribbean, Moneygram, and MTV.

PADF is utilizing all funds and resources to provide food, water and shelter. Afterwards, it will also be a vital player in the rebuilding process.

One of the PADF’s ongoing spokespeople for efforts to improve life in Haiti is Haitian actor Jimmy Jean Louis, co-star of NBC’s “Heroes.” Jimmy Jean Louis, is appearing in the Interlex-produced PADF TV, radio, print and online PSA’s to mobilize the American public behind the relief effort. According to Jimmy Jean Louis: “I don’t think people have any idea how terrible this is because of the circumstances on the ground in Haiti and the lack of the infrastructure. There are no roads, and it is going to be extremely difficult for help to reach people.”

Michael Zamba, the PADF’s Senior Director of Communications, said: “Natural disaster response is one of our three core competencies. In Haiti 18 months ago we reacted to two hurricanes and two tropical storms, helping hundreds of thousands of people. We have been in Haiti for 30 years. We are not just parachuting in; we already have a whole organization there. We are not hitting the ground running. We are already on the ground.”

In addition to creating and producing the campaign pro-bono, Interlex is matching its team’s financial contributions in making a monetary donation to the relief effort. Anyone wishing to contribute may do so at www.PanAmericanRelief.org.

About Interlex

Interlex is a leading advocacy, cause-related and corporate social marketing firm with offices in San Antonio, New York, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles. Its mission is to help clients make a positive impact in the lives of diverse audiences. It is one of the largest Hispanic-owned agencies in the nation and provides a range of global and national clients seamless General and Multicultural Marketing services within an integrated full-service agency model. Clients include federal and state government agencies, major non-profit organizations and socially conscientious corporate clients such as American Express, Care Improvement Plus, and SafeLink Wireless/Tracfone.www.interlexusa.com

About PADF

PADF is a non-profit organization established in 1962 to promote, facilitate, and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the past year, it had more than 4.5 million beneficiaries in 18 countries.

PADF is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Haiti. With nearly three decades of work on the ground, PADF now manages a large portfolio of activities ranging from community-driven development to protecting human rights.

Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C., and has field offices in Haiti, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. www.padf.org