Los Angeles, September 20, 2007 — Immediately following the recent earthquake in Peru, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) took action to help the surviving victims. Within a week, TPRF partnered again with Friends of the World Food Program (WFP) to assist victims of a natural disaster. Karen Sendelback, President and CEO of Friends of WFP, wrote, “Your gift will go toward helping to save the lives of hungry Peruvians affected by the recent earthquake.”
On August 15, the south-central area of Peru suffered a 7.9 magnitude earthquake and numerous aftershocks. More than 500 people died. Massive destruction leveled homes, hospitals, schools, churches and government buildings, affecting over 60,000 people.
TPRF responded with a much-needed cash contribution to Friends of the WFP. It will fund delivery and distribution of food and other necessities both in rural areas and at shelters and refugee camps near Pisco, Ica and Huancavelica.
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The total budget for the relief operation is approximately $3.5 million, according to Ms. Sendelback, who is also the fiscal agent for the effort. Much help is expected from in-kind donations of food and commodities, she says, but the cash donation from TPRF is critical to logistical efforts for the emergency operations.
WFP’s response began almost immediately after the earthquake struck and will continue for nine months to complement the Government's emergency response efforts. The needy receive ready-to-eat, high-energy biscuits, followed by a ration of rice, flour, beans and vegetable oil for home preparation. Small children, pregnant women and other high-risk groups get special food distribution and supplementary feeding. Approximately 80,000 people in rural areas, shelters and refugee camps will benefit.
Friends of the WFP is a “U.S.-based, non-profit organization dedicated to building support for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other hunger-relief efforts.” WFP is described as the world's largest humanitarian agency, feeding 90 million people annually (including 58 million children) in the world's poorest countries.
The humanitarian focus of TPRF is on providing nutritious food, clean water and eye care for people most in need. The Foundation often partners with other reputable organizations such as Oxfam or the Red Cross to bring food, water and disaster relief rapidly where it is most needed.
Those wanting to support The Prem Rawat Foundation’s efforts to give people in need a chance to rebuild their lives in a way that respects their dignity may do so on TPRF's Web site. Contributions go directly to provide essential aid where it is needed, whether it is assistance after a disaster or nutritious food, clean water or essential medical care for those in need.
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The Prem Rawat Foundation was founded by Prem Rawat, known worldwide as Maharaji, whose aim is to improve the quality of life for people in need by providing food, water, medical care, and disaster relief.
Discover more about Prem Rawat, his message of hope and peace, and the humanitarian initiatives of The Prem Rawat Foundation
