CANTON, Mass., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — In recognition of the continued need for aid in Haiti, the OneBeacon Charitable Trust has announced a donation of $48,000 allocated to five nonprofit organizations assisting in the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts– the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, Partners in Health and UNICEF.

The contribution consists of a $5,000 donation to each organization as well as a dollar-for-dollar match of the $23,000 donated by OneBeacon employees, its Hagerty Insurance partners and White Mountains Insurance Group staff. In total, the OneBeacon community will donate $71,000, with almost $30,000 going to the American Red Cross.

Carmen Duarte, a member of the OneBeacon Charitable Trust Committee said, “Addressing the devastating loss and continued suffering in Haiti is clearly a global collaboration. The OneBeacon community deeply admires the relentless efforts demonstrated by these five organizations. We are pleased to be in a position to assist them and Haiti during this most challenging recovery effort.”

The OneBeacon Charitable Trust is a tax-exempt private foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code managed by employees of OneBeacon Insurance Company. As one of the oldest property and casualty insurers in the United States, OneBeacon traces its roots to 1831 and the Potomac Fire Insurance Company. Today, OneBeacon’s specialty insurance businesses are national in scope while its personal lines business is concentrated in the Northeastern United States. OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda-domiciled holding company that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OB”.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or referenced in this release which address activities, events or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “will,” “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to OneBeacon’s:
 
• change in book value per share or return on equity;
• business strategy;
• financial and operating targets or plans;
• incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses and the adequacy of its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and related reinsurance;
• projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings (or loss) per share, dividends, market share or other financial forecasts;
• expansion and growth of our business and operations; and
• future capital expenditures.

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by OneBeacon in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including:
 
• claims arising from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, floods, fires, explosions, terrorist attacks or severe winter weather;
• recorded loss and loss adjustment expense reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate;
• the continued availability and cost of reinsurance coverage;
• the continued availability of capital and financing;
• general economic, market or business conditions;
• business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to it and pursued;
• competitive forces, including the conduct of other property and casualty insurers and agents;
• changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their interpretation, applicable to OneBeacon, its competitors, its agents or its customers;
• an economic downturn or other economic conditions adversely affecting its financial position including stock market volatility;
• actions taken by ratings agencies from time to time, such as financial strength or credit ratings downgrades or placing ratings on negative watch;
• the risks that are described from time to time in OneBeacon’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to OneBeacon’s Annual Report on the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed February 27, 2009.
 
Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by OneBeacon will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, OneBeacon or its business or operations. OneBeacon assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Web site:   www.onebeacon.com

Master of Photography’s Limited Edition “Tree of Life” to Benefit Haiti Relief Efforts

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Highly acclaimed Master Photographer Peter Lik today announced his support of Concern Worldwide’s ongoing Haiti relief efforts.  All Peter Lik Galleries globally will donate a portion of February sales from Lik’s first 2010 major release, “Tree of Life” to Concern, an international humanitarian aid organization dedicated to eliminating extreme poverty in 28 of the world’s poorest countries.  The limited edition unveiling will take place simultaneously at Peter Lik Galleries worldwide on February 12, 2010.  The New York unveiling will be held at Peter Lik’s SoHo Gallery at 419 West Broadway in New York City from 7-10PM.  Those interested in attending can RSVP by emailing customerservice@peterlik.com. 

The 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince on January 12, has affected as many as 3.5 million people.  Concern’s long-standing presence in Haiti (16 years) allowed it to immediately launch a full scale response in St. Martin and Martissant, distributing water, food and medicine to survivors.  The partnership between Peter Lik and Concern offers collectors an opportunity to acquire fine art while simultaneously helping the country in this time of great need. 

“We are proud to support Concern Worldwide in its ongoing efforts in Haiti,” said Peter Lik New York Directors Laura Smith and Allison Reilly. In his own words Lik describes The “Tree of Life” as “symbolizing the idea that all life on earth is interconnected and serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit. Concern’s work in international humanitarian aid epitomizes this philosophy.”  

Peter is especially proud to have this photograph benefit the recovery process in Haiti.  Lik, a native Australian, is considered to be the leading landscape photographer alive today, capturing audiences around the globe with his large-scale panoramic photographs. In his unending quest for the perfect shot, he travels the globe to places that few humans have seen, driven by a vigorous determination to capture the extraordinary beauty of nature.

“We are honored that Peter Lik has recognized our efforts in Haiti and extremely grateful for this extraordinary show of support,” said Siobhan Walsh, Executive Director, Concern Worldwide US. “The proceeds raised will help Concern meet the basic survival needs of Haiti’s earthquake victims, including the most vulnerable mothers and children, and will also help us launch long-term efforts to rebuild Haiti’s infrastructure.”

Proceeds donated from sales of the “Tree of Life” will begin January 29th and extend through February 2010.  For more information on either organization please visit the Peter Lik website at www.peterlik.com or Concern Worldwide US at www.concernusa.org.  

About Peter Lik

Long celebrated for his vast panoramic landscape photographs, which capture the brilliant colors and spiritual terrain in nature, Peter Lik has received the highest award, given by his peers, the Master of Photography. He is driven by an extraordinary passion that few men possess. Peter opened his first gallery in his hometown in Cairns, Australia, and now has fourteen galleries in the US and Australia showcasing his Limited Edition photographs.

About Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide is committed to the elimination of extreme poverty and the reduction of suffering in the world’s poorest countries. The organization focuses on emergency relief and long-term development programs in the areas of health, HIV and AIDS, education and livelihoods.

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Within days of the creation of the American Red Cross LGBT Haiti Relief Fund, a Red Cross representative stated the fund has already raised more money than many of the huge corporate donors. This was accomplished by significant outreach efforts to the LGBT community via donors and activists along with a massive email campaign to the members of three LGBT cruise companies, Olivia, Atlantis and RSVP. Within a week, the community has raised over $150,000 for the fund.

Donations of cruises, an upgrade auction and matching funds all were contributed by the cruise companies as pledges came pouring in with record dollars in a matter of a few hours. “We are reaching out to all LGBT organizations and individuals to become part of this relief fund effort and get the word out everywhere,” said Judy Dlugacz, President and founder of Olivia Companies, a lesbian-oriented vacation company. “If we all work together we can provide enormous support to the Haiti relief efforts.”

“Over the last week we have seen a wonderful broadening of this initiative within our community,” stated Claire Lucas, an international development expert and a well known community activist and political fundraiser who worked with the American Red Cross to set up the fund. This effort began with the LGBT cruise companies and has quickly expanded to include other organizations and individuals. “Just this morning, three very diverse LGBT groups approached us to join the initiative; The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission based in New York, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center/Pride Center representing Southern Florida and a donor-directed community fund at the Alaska Community Foundation.”

“We are inspired to see so many groups coming together to help earthquake survivors in Haiti,” says Nan Buzard, Sr. Director of International Response and Programs for the American Red Cross. “The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community has done an outstanding job of raising funds to support the American Red Cross’s relief work in Haiti.”

Cary Alan Johnson, Executive Director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, stated, “The LGBT community has a long tradition of mobilizing quickly to respond to crisis. We are proud that so many business leaders in our community have come forward to assist the people of Haiti in this time of great need.”

Lucas added, “While we have received over 1,300 donations totaling over $150,000 as of today, the actual donations have only just begun and we predict there will be a colossal response to this historic endeavor.”

Mark Bromley, of The Council for Global Equality, a non-profit organization that encourages a stronger voice on LGBT human rights concerns said, “We are urging all members of the LGBT community and their friends to donate to the American Red Cross LGBT Haiti Relief Fund to help the people of Haiti. Our community sends its deepest compassion and support to the people of Haiti and we will speak as one voice to show that support.”

To contribute to the fund, visit: http://american.redcross.org/LGBT-pub

For interviews and more information about the American Red Cross LGBT Haiti Relief please contact Andrea Burnett andrea@andreaburnett.com or 650.207.0917.

Creative Initiative Allows Employees to Voluntarily Donate One Hour’s Pay to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief and Development

 Aspen Dental to Match Employee Donations Up to $75,000

 SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the growing humanitarian crisis following the recent earthquake in Haiti, Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI) announced today that it was launching “An Hour for Haiti,” a voluntary program that gives Aspen Dental employees the option of donating the equivalent of one hour’s pay to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief and development. Aspen Dental will match employee donations with a dollar-for-dollar contribution of up to $75,000.

 ”Members of the Aspen Dental team have always been generous in donating their time, talents and dollars to help those in need. Since directly volunteering an hour of their time isn’t possible in this case, ‘An Hour for Haiti’ gives employees an outlet to show their support for earthquake victims,” said Bob Fontana, president and CEO of ADMI. “While the sheer scale of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti is difficult to comprehend, we feel fortunate that we’re in a position to help provide support for relief efforts.”

 Donations will help the American Red Cross and its partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, including the Haitian Red Cross, assist those affected by this disaster. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include deploying personnel, sending relief supplies and providing financial resources.

 Details on “An Hour for Haiti” are being communicated to more than 3,000 employees across the country through Aspen Dental’s intranet site. Employees will be able to opt in through Aspen Dental’s payroll system, where they can calculate the equivalent of an hour’s pay.

  About Aspen Dental

 Aspen Dental, one of the largest and fastest-growing providers of denture and dental care services in the U.S., is committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. Aspen Dental has grown from 13 offices and three states in 1998 to more than 225 locations in 19 states.

 Aspen Dental Management, Inc. provides comprehensive business support services, non-clinical personnel, facilities and equipment to affiliated dental practices, enabling them to grow professionally and achieve long-term practice productivity and success.

 To learn more, please visit www.aspendent.com.

BONN, Germany, and PLANTATION, Florida, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ — DHL advises members of the media that they may download the following photo at no charge from the online archive below:

– NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100125/MXM002

   Caption:  Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading mail and logistics services group, has moved its main DRT outpost from Haiti to the Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The team continues to unload humanitarian aid flights daily totaling over 100 tons of relief goods per day including cases of water and medical supplies.

 PHOTO Credit: DHL DRT Team (PRNewsFoto)

 The DRT:

    — Is managing a 3000 sq. meter warehouse for other non-government organizations (NGOs) to store and sort incoming aid.

    — Has flown five forklifts into Santo Domingo from Caracas, Venezuela to help transfer air goods from aircraft pallets to container trucks bound for Haiti.

    — Is stressing the importance that all cargo flights have pre-arranged onward transportation from the Dominican Republic into Haiti as warehouse capabilities are extremely limited and all ground transportation needs to be escorted.

  DHL DRT is proud of its partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in the area of Disaster Management and will continue the strong collaboration to support humanitarian efforts in Haiti.

 SOURCE  DHL

    -0-                                01/25/2010

    /NOTE TO EDITORS:  For Media inquiries and/or for interview requests with Gilberto Castro, Manager DRT Americas, and Chris Weeks, Director of Humanitarian Affairs, DHL, contact Michele Mobley/

CHESAPEAKE, Va., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Maison Fortune Orphanage, located near the city of Hinche in the central plateau region of Haiti, announced today plans for an expansion effort to better accommodate growing need after the recent devastating earthquakes. This planned expansion will increase capacity to support displaced children and will also provide employment opportunities for area citizens.

 The main goals of this announced expansion are to provide food, shelter, clothing and other needs to children from the Port-au-Prince area. Maison Fortune has witnessed a large growth in the number of children migrating to the Hinche area following the loss of their homes and families due to the recent earthquakes. By offering employment to local residents, the orphanage also hopes to increase economic stabilization in the region.

 Specific strategic goals include:

• Increasing facility capacity and identifying additional buildings to lease.
• Identifying and hiring appropriate staff to support additional children.
• Developing and executing a sub-plan, in coordination with the Orphanage Director and Board, to feed, house and educate additional children for up to a year.
• Secure funding to continue the above into future years.

 Cosmas Rubencamp, Foundation Secretary, provided the following comment based from his recent trip to the effected region, “The situation is desperate. We need to move quickly to find shelter for these displaced children.”

 About Maison Fortune Orphanage

 The Maison Orphanage Foundation, Inc. is a Chesapeake, VA based, recognized IRS 501(c) (3) charity established in 2000. Administrative costs of the organization equal 1.1 cents per each dollar contributed. The Director of the Foundation is a Haitian, Virginia Tech graduate, who began with a dream of starting and growing the orphanage to help aid the homeless children in the impoverished region. He began with 2 boys and now has over 150 residents at the center’s complex in Hinche. In addition, over 100 students from the surrounding community attend classes and receive hot meals daily from the orphanage.

 To make a donation in the expansion effort of the Maison Fortune Orphanage:

 Mail checks to: Treasurer, Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation

P O Box 3092

Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

 For credit cards and on line giving, visit the web site, http://www.mfofoundation.org

 Right column under News Briefs, click on “Assist in Disaster Relief”.

 NEW YORK, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ — JA Apparel Corp. announced today that it will initiate a week-long, nation-wide promotion to benefit Haiti and other victims of humanitarian crises through Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres, the medical humanitarian organization.

 Beginning Sunday, January 24th and continuing through Saturday, January 30th, Joseph Abboud® will donate a portion of the proceeds generated from the sale of all Joseph Abboud® suiting purchased at any of Nordstrom’s 181 stores nationwide including Nordstrom Rack stores as well as online at Nordstrom.com to Doctors Without Borders.

 JA Apparel Corp.’s decision to collaborate with Nordstrom represents one of the industry’s most ambitious charitable efforts on behalf of Haiti to date. “We at Joseph Abboud are proud to associate with Nordstrom and to do our part in ensuring Haiti’s full recovery and helping victims of crises around the world,” said Marty Staff, President & CEO of JA Apparel Corp.  “As a key Nordstrom supplier, we feel they represent the very best in our society: honest, of high integrity and smart.  We are proud to contribute a portion of our sales at Nordstrom to Doctors Without Borders.  Our combined effort creates an impactful team, and we will continue to help in any way we can,” he concluded.

 About JA Apparel Corp.

The Joseph Abboud Brand embodies sophisticated American style for traditional menswear. The Joseph Abboud brand instills confidence through tailored collections and unique sportswear that are crafted from the world’s finest fabrics and defined by superior fit, exceptional quality and remarkable luxurious style.

Since 2004, the Company has made a successful transition from men’s suit designer to global lifestyle brand. Joseph Abboud can now outfit a man in style throughout his entire life, thanks to lines of clothing for men and boys and a growing collection of casual wear. In addition, the Company has an expanding universe of products ranging from luggage to footwear to eyewear to home furnishings. Abboud brand names include Joseph Abboud, JOE Joseph Abboud, Joseph Abboud BOYS, and Joseph Abboud Home.

 Joseph Abboud branded products are available in superior department stores and specialty stores throughout the United States, China, Indonesia, Canada, Japan, and Taiwan, as well as other countries.  www.josephabboud.com

 About Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971.

 Today, MSF provides aid in nearly 70 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need. MSF reserves the right to speak out to bring attention to neglected crises, to challenge inadequacies or abuse of the aid system, and to advocate for improved medical treatments and protocols. In 1999, MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize for its work.  www.doctorswithoutborders.org.

TORONTO, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ – RBC today announced that the RBC Blue Water Project will commit $1 million to support the efforts of ONE DROP and Oxfam to provide access to water and sanitation to the people of Haiti and rebuild small water and sanitation infrastructure in the country.

“The outpouring of support by citizens, governments and companies worldwide to help immediate relief efforts in Haiti has been overwhelming,” said Gordon M. Nixon, president and CEO, RBC. “But we know that the people of Haiti will need our support for years to come, as the need for emergency relief subsides, and the priorities for longer-term solutions become more clear in the months and years ahead. In anticipation of the massive work ahead, the RBC Blue Water Project will support the efforts of ONE DROP and its partner Oxfam-Quebec in Haiti to fund programs to mitigate the tremendous water and sanitation challenges faced by the country.”

As part of an ambitious project developed by Oxfam-Quebec, ONE DROP’s Project Haiti will be carried out over a three-year period. Its objective will be to provide sustainable access to water and sanitation, restore small hydraulic and sanitation infrastructures and, through the arts, raise the awareness of thousands of Haitians on the importance of managing water soundly. These are all essential conditions for building a better tomorrow for future generations. ONE DROP and Oxfam-Quebec are currently working out the details of the project.

RBC is a founding corporate partner of ONE DROP, with a pledge of $10 million over 10 years to help fund on-the-ground water projects and awareness programs as needed around the world. Funding for this Haitian project will come from that commitment. RBC has also funded a ONE DROP watershed protection and conservation project in Honduras totalling $1.5 million.

 RBC also announced that on Friday, January 22, 2010, more than 250 RBC employees in Winnipeg, Mississauga, Montreal and Moncton will volunteer their time to handle phone donations to support the Canada for Haiti event. This signature Canadian event is a one hour live national broadcast with CTV, CBC and Global, on Friday, January 22, 2010, airing at 7:00 p.m. EST. RBC employees will continue to accept Canadian phone donations during the broadcast of the “Hope for Haiti Now” benefit organized by George Clooney, airing on these networks.

The RBC Blue Water Project was launched in 2007 to help foster a culture of water stewardship in Canada and abroad, and includes a 10-year, $50 million philanthropic commitment to programs supporting watershed protection and access to clean drinking water. Since 2007, RBC has committed more than $20.48 million in single and multi-year grants to 155 organizations, including ONE DROP.

RBC is recognized among the world’s financial, social and environmental leaders and is included on the Dow Jones World and North American Sustainability Indices, the Jantzi Social Index, the FTSE4Good Index and the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations ranking. In 2009, RBC contributed more than $105 million to community causes worldwide, through donations of more than $52.6 million, and an additional $52.5 million in sponsorship of community events and national organizations.

For more, visit rbc.com/bluewater.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Ultimate Chef America by Brookdale invites everyone to join together to support the relief efforts of the American Red Cross in Haiti. Donating is simple at www.brookdaleliving.com.  

 ”The Brookdale family is deeply saddened by the tragic events in Haiti, and concerned for the plight of the citizens of that island nation. We are supporting relief efforts through the Ultimate Chef America Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund,” said Bill Sheriff, chief executive officer of Brookdale. “We encourage your thoughts and prayers for everyone in Haiti, and their extended family and friends.”

As a thank you for a contribution, any person who makes a donation of $10 or more will be mailed a “Music of Ultimate Chef America” CD. To ensure receipt of the CD, please be sure to check “yes” on the donation page when asked if you consent to the American Red Cross sharing your name, address and donation amount with Ultimate Chef America.

 Ultimate Chef America is a dynamic culinary competition among chefs across the United States for the chance to win the Ultimate Chef America title. The tour kicks off Thursday, Jan. 28 in Phoenix.

 In key markets across the country, the Dining Services professionals of Brookdale Senior Living, one of the largest owners and operators of senior living communities, will compete during a two-hour cooking competition focusing on healthy cooking for seniors.

More information about Ultimate Chef America can be found at http://www.ultimatechefamerica.com and http://www.facebook.com/ultimatechefbrookdale

Non-Profit assigned part of downtown Port-au-Prince, Southeast Province

 WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A heavily damaged area of downtown Port-au-Prince and communities in the Southeast province have been assigned to the Pan American Development Foundation and its partners for immediate relief, the non-profit organization announced. www.PanAmericanRelief.org

 Haitian civil defense authorities designated these areas because of PADF’s long development experience in these communities and the urgent need for the organization’s extensive background in disaster management.

 PADF’s assigned zones are: Port-au-Prince’s downtown section of Bel Air, a heavily residential area known for its beautiful cathedral; and the Southeast province, which includes the seaside cities of Jacmel, Cayes-Jacmel and Marigot.

 ”The Southeast province was hit as hard as Port-au-Prince but has yet to receive attention by the international media,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director. “With such a large mandate, PADF is urging individuals and companies to support our earthquake relief efforts by calling (877) 572-4484 or visiting www.PanAmericanRelief.org. It’s vital to people’s survival.”

 Prior to the devastating 7.0 earthquake, these Southeast province communities (which are about a three-hour drive from Port-au-Prince) were severely damaged by hurricanes and tropical storms 18 months ago. PADF will provide relief supplies to these affected communities via the border city of Pedernales in the Dominican Republic.

 Relief to Bel Air will come through PADF’s office in the capital, which receives its supplies from a land route that connects with the border city of Jimani in the Dominican Republic.

 PADF – which is collaborating with the Organization of American States (OAS), the non-profit Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH) and other groups – has eight offices in Haiti, with its country headquarters in Port-au-Prince. PADF has worked in the country for nearly 30 years on economic development, protecting human rights and responding to natural disasters.

 Meanwhile, actor and President of Hollywood Unites for Haiti, Jimmy Jean-Louis (”The Haitian” on NBC’s “Heroes”) arrived in Port-au-Prince late Saturday to reconnect with his family and to raise awareness of the crisis. What he found stunned him.

 ”It looked like a war had happened,” says Jean-Louis, who was shocked by the magnitude of destruction and the desperate need of the people.

 Jean-Louis is a spokesperson for the PADF-OAS-HUFH campaign to raise money for relief and reconstruction of Haiti. They may do so by calling (877) 572-4484 or visiting www.PanAmericanRelief.org to make a donation.

 About HUFH

Hollywood Unites For Haiti is a non-profit charitable aid organization based in Los Angeles that puts 100 percent of its donations directly into the cause of helping Haitian citizens and raising global awareness of ways in which people can help.

www.hufh.org and www.HaitianHero.com

 About the OAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, which was held in Washington, D.C. from October 1889 to April 1890. Today, it is comprised of 34 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean. www.oas.org

 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 5.6 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

BOSTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Sovereign Bank announced today that it has opened a special account to collect monetary donations for the American Red Cross to aid victims of the earthquake in Haiti.  Cash and check donations will be accepted at all Sovereign Bank branches.

 ”We are saddened by the loss of lives and devastation in Haiti,” said Gabriel Jaramillo, Sovereign Bank President and Chief Executive Officer.  “We hope that providing the public with this opportunity to donate will help bring some relief to the victims of this tragedy.”

 Checks should be made payable to the American Red Cross.  Donors should write “Haiti Relief & Development Fund” in the memo section of their check.

 About Sovereign and Santander

 Sovereign Bank, a subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A., is a financial institution with principal markets in the northeastern United States. Sovereign has more than 723 branches, over 2,300 ATMs and approximately 9,000 team members.  For more information on Sovereign Bank, visit http://www.sovereignbank.com or call 877-SOV-BANK.

 Banco Santander (SAN.MC, STD.N) is a retail and commercial bank, based in Spain. At the end of 2008, Santander was the largest bank in the euro zone by market capitalization and third in the world by profit. Founded in 1857, Santander had EUR 1,271 billion in managed funds at the end of 2008. Following the acquisition of Sovereign Bancorp in January 2009, Santander has 90 million customers, around 14,000 branches — more than any other international bank — and over 170,000 employees. It is the largest financial group in Spain and Latin America, with leading positions in the United Kingdom and Portugal and a broad presence in Europe through its Santander Consumer Finance arm.

NNU Working to Place Nurses on Haiti Relief Mission

 Probably the largest RN Volunteer Response in U.S. History

 OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly 7,500 registered nurses have now signed up to volunteer for Haiti disaster relief,  believed to be the largest outpouring of RN volunteers in U.S. history, reports National Nurses United which is coordinating the effort, and working around the clock to find locations for the nurses to deploy on the ground in Haiti. Nurses from other countries are signing up through the NNU program as well.

 View the attached volunteer breakdown by state and country

 “As reports of dire medical care shortages continue to pour in, we have thousands of registered nurses willing and ready to travel to Haiti,” said NNU Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro. “We are doing everything in our power to get these nurses engaged as quickly as possible.”

 DeMoro said the NNU is in contact with the federal government and is also willing to work with other nations that are part of the international relief effort. “We know that the few remaining medical facilities in Haiti and those who are now on the ground are completely overwhelmed. In this enormous human tragedy, it is vital to get the nurses deployed rapidly.”

 NNU, the largest union and professional organization of U.S. nurses, which has also sent hundreds of volunteers on past disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina, the South Asia tsunami, and Southern California wildfires, is presently organizing the first team of nurses for deployment.

 “Registered nurses are particularly skilled professionals who are needed to assess and treat patients and their families and to assess their environment. It is not possible to have a comprehensive care and recovery process without RNs. We need to get nurses there quickly,” said NNU Co-president Karen Higgins, RN.

 Additionally, NNU is asking for hospitals to provide paid relief time for nurse volunteers – several systems have already agreed to do so – and asking pharmaceutical and insurance companies to donate vaccines for the volunteer nurses and other medical supplies to bring to Haiti.

 NNU also requests tax-deductible donations to fund travel and supply costs for the RNs. Donations to Send a Nurse to Haiti may be made on line at www.nationalnursesunited.org. Updates are also available @NationalNurses on twitter or by following: #haitiRN.

Travelers Donate $250,000 Following Grand Circle Foundation’s Pledge to Match

 BOSTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Alan Lewis, Chairman of Grand Circle Corporation, which owns Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel, today reported that $400,000 has been raised by Grand Circle Foundation and travelers to support International Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. 

 In less than 24 hours, 2,000 travelers donated $150,000 after an email from Grand Circle Foundation invited travelers to give to the International Red Cross through the Foundation to receive a match during a given time frame.  The Foundation will match the $150,000 donations from travelers and also will give an additional $100,000 to the International Red Cross in traveler donations made following the end of the matching period. 

 ”We are simply amazed, but certainly not surprised by the speed and generosity of our older travelers,” said Lewis, whose travel companies serve some 115,000 Americans over 50 each year.  “We have always believed that we serve America’s greatest generation, and this recent outpouring from our travelers only confirms it.  We are saddened by the destruction of lives and property in Haiti and pray that our contribution will make a significant difference to those who have lost so much.”

 Lewis and his wife, Harriet, established Grand Circle Foundation in 1992 as a way to give back to the countries through which Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel customers travel.  Since then, the Foundation has pledged or donated more than $47 million worldwide to support the education of young people and the preservation of cultural treasures and traditions.  Currently, the Foundation supports more than 80 schools and educational institutions serving youth in more than 60 countries.

20% Haitian Relief Discount Applied to HCCMIS’s Atlas International Travel Medical Plan

 WARWICK, R.I., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — In the wake of this week’s devastating earthquake, premier travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip.com and travel medical provider HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC (HCCMIS) have launched a special initiative providing medical and evacuation coverage at reduced rates for U.S. travelers heading to Haiti to aid in relief efforts.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070529/NETU076LOGO )

 Through an exclusive partnership, a 20% Haitian Relief Discount has been applied to all HCCMIS Atlas International travel medical plans on InsureMyTrip.com covering U.S. citizens traveling to Haiti.  “By working together with HCCMIS, we are able to provide critical coverage most affordably, and protect those traveling to Haiti to assist in relief efforts or to locate loved ones,” explains Jim Grace, President and CEO of InsureMyTrip.com.

 Providing coverage where many traditional healthcare plans leave off, travel medical policies, which also include emergency medical evacuation coverage, provide protection while you’re away from home. Specifically, the HCCMIS Atlas International plan features:

• Medical coverage from $50,000 to $1,000,000
• Emergency medical evacuation to $500,000
• 24-hour Customer Support

InsureMyTrip.com urges relief organizations, aid volunteers, and others traveling to Haiti at this time to contact them for more information.  InsureMyTrip’s expert Customer Care team is standing by to answer questions and provide step-by-step assistance.  Visit www.insuremytrip.com or call (800) 487-4722 to speak with a licensed travel insurance representative, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

 About InsureMyTrip.com

Established in 2000, InsureMyTrip.com is the leading, consumer-oriented online travel insurance aggregator worldwide.  Featuring insurance comparisons from the top industry providers, InsureMyTrip.com is a unique, one-stop resource designed to meet consumers’ comprehensive travel insurance needs all in a secure environment.  InsureMyTrip.com also specializes in providing integrated technology solutions for the travel insurance industry, with over 2,000 private-labeled and co-branded travel-related websites around the globe.  InsureMyTrip.com is headquartered in Warwick, RI with additional offices and data centers in Connecticut and Oregon.

 About HCCMIS

HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC (HCCMIS), headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a full service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products designed specifically to address the insurance needs of consumers worldwide.  HCCMIS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HCC), a leading international specialty insurance group with offices across the United States and in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Ireland.  HCC has assets of $9.0 billion, shareholders’ equity of $3.0 billion and is rated AA (Very Strong) by Standard & Poor’s and AA (Very Strong) by Fitch Ratings.  In addition, HCC’s major domestic insurance companies are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company. 

 Available Topic Experts: For information on the listed experts, click appropriate link.

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=62537

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=73855

MIAMI, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Royal Caribbean Cruises, one of Haiti’s largest foreign investors for almost 30 years, today announced its plans to provide at least $1 million in humanitarian relief to Haiti in response to the catastrophic earthquake in Port-Au-Prince.  Royal Caribbean will be partnering with charitable organizations – such as Food for the Poor, Pan American Development Foundation, and the Solano Foundation, the company’s foundation in Haiti – to provide additional assistance to the people of Haiti.  Royal Caribbean will also be delivering much needed goods and supplies to Haiti via their cruise ships.

 ”The effect of the earthquake on Haiti has been catastrophic, leaving the country in need of not only immediate support, but assistance in their long-term recovery,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  “Royal Caribbean wants to do its part to help out not only the general response, but also our hundreds of Haitian employees and their families through this disaster.”

 ”In addition to our financial contribution, Royal Caribbean will continue to provide economic support through the continuous business we bring to Labadee,” Fain added.

 Leslie Voltaire, Special Envoy of the government of Haiti to the United Nations said, “Given the terrible economic and social challenges we now face in Haiti, we welcome the continuation of the positive economic benefits that the cruise ship calls to Labadee contribute to our country.”

 The benefits start with Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas’ call today to Labadee, Haiti, which includes much needed supplies for the country.  The supplies were loaded on the ship during its call in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and include items such as rice, dried beans, powdered milk, water and canned goods.  In addition, 100 percent of the company’s net revenue from the destination will be contributed to the relief effort. 

In the next two weeks, the following ships are scheduled to call on Labadee with additional supplies: Navigator of the Seas on Monday, January 18; Liberty of the Seas on Tuesday, January 19; and Celebrity Solstice on Friday, January 22.  When the supplies arrive in Labadee, they will be transported to an offsite location to be distributed by Food for the Poor, a long time partner of Royal Caribbean in Haiti.

 In addition to working with Food for the Poor to distribute relief supplies, guests sailing onboard Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises will be able to make a donation to Food for the Poor’s Haiti Relief Fund, via a charge to their onboard account.  Guests who would like to contribute immediately can visit www.foodforthepoor.org/royalcaribbean to make a donation.  Royal Caribbean also plans to use a portion of the $1 million donation to augment the company’s Crew Relief Fund, which can be drawn on by any of the company’s more than 200 Haitian crew members for assistance, as well as to match employee contributions to the partner organizations.

 As the initial response effort gives way to the long-term recovery effort, Royal Caribbean will consider further support efforts.

 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France.  The company has a combined total of 39 ships in service and four under construction.  It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.  Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, www.azamaracruises.com, www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

Comfort Inn Hotel Will Be First Global Hotel Brand for Haiti in More Than a Decade; Island will Also Be Home to Ascend Collection Member Hotel

 SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ — While hotel development across the globe has slowed, leading lodging company Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is pleased to announce the future addition of two new Caribbean hotels to its portfolio of more than 6,000 franchised properties worldwide. The new Comfort Inn hotel and Ascend Collection member hotel mark the first-ever Choice-brand properties for the island of Haiti, further expanding the great Choice Hotels lodging options for travelers across the Caribbean. The Comfort Inn hotel which will open in 2010 will mark the first global hotel brand that the island of Haiti has hosted in more than a decade.

“Choice is extremely proud to take a leadership position in revitalizing Haiti’s tourism product,” said Brian Parker, vice president of emerging markets and new business development for Choice Hotels. “We are equally excited to work with a company the caliber of SIMACT to bring two of our brands to the island.”  

 Both hotels will be located in Haiti’s historic township of Jacmel, known as the island’s cultural center thanks to its popular carnival festivities and arts, music and film festivals. The Comfort Inn hotel will feature 32 guest rooms with breathtaking views of the shores of the Caribbean Sea, featuring all the amenities travelers can expect from Comfort Inn hotels, including free breakfast and free high-speed Internet access.

 The newly-built luxury Ascend Collection member hotel will offer 120 elegantly-appointment guestrooms and is planned as part of the area’s new Belle Rive development project, which will also include a residential community, retail, dining, entertainment, recreational and marina facilities. This Ascend Collection member hotel will be the second Caribbean location for the membership program after its first location in the region — Le Consulat hotel of San Juan, Puerto Rico — opened in late 2008.

 ”Our Ascend Collection program is an excellent membership opportunity for upscale independent hotels and we are thrilled that the Caribbean is at the forefront of our international expansion,” said Kevin Lewis, brand president of upscale and extended stay for Choice Hotels.

 ”The new collaborative relationship between Choice Hotels and SIMACT will have a significantly positive impact on the burgeoning tourism industry of the southeastern coast of Haiti,” said Lesly Kernisant, president of SIMACT, owner of the new Comfort Inn hotel and Ascend Collection member hotel.

 Choice Hotels currently boasts 9 Caribbean properties, a total of 815 guestrooms, in the Bahamas, Cayman Island, Curacao, Puerto Rico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ascend Collection is an elite network of Historic, Unique and Boutique member hotels that made its debut at the end of 2008 and now has more than 30 hotels throughout the United States, Canada and now, the Caribbean. For more information on Choice Hotels, visit choicehotels.com.

About SIMACT

SIMACT, Inc. is a New York-based company with a range of investment interests that are focused upon the Republic of Haiti. SIMACT (Societe Immobiliere d’Agriculture, de Commerce, et de Tourisme) was founded in 1996 by a group of Haitian professionals, initially focusing upon real estate development opportunities. The company, which began with six investors, now has 51 shareholders. It has expanded the original vision of the founders and now encompasses investment and ownership in several key areas of enterprise – tourism, mining, financial services, and agriculture. With a capitalization investment in excess of $5,000,000, the company is now poised to take full advantage of its position as one of the most dynamic and progressive American companies engaged in business undertakings in Haiti. SIMACT is currently engaged in several exciting new initiatives in the areas of tourism, mining, and financial services that are based upon the platform of development and success that the company has experienced to date.

 About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,000 hotels, representing more than 485,000 rooms in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2009, more than 700 hotels are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 59,000 rooms, and more than 100 hotels, representing approximately 9,400 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other countries and territories. The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

 Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

 Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

(C) 2009 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.