CaribPR Wire

SUNBURY, Pa., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Weis Markets Inc. will begin collecting donations on behalf of the American Red Cross’s Haiti Relief and Development Fund in all of its stores on January 15.

 Starting Friday, customers can donate the amount they wish by adding to their grocery bill at check out or at the courtesy desk.  This option is available to customers paying with cash, check, and credit or debit cards. The collected money will be donated to the Red Cross’s Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

 ”We are giving our customers an easy way to help.  While the reports are still coming in, it is clear that as a result of the recent earthquake, millions of Haitians will need help in the days and weeks ahead,” David J. Hepfinger, Weis Markets’ President and CEO.  “In addition, we plan to make a significant corporate donation to the relief efforts for the victims of this earthquake.”

 Founded in 1912, Weis Markets is a Mid-Atlantic food retailer, operating 165 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and West Virginia.

Will Make Direct Grant of $50,000 to American Red Cross and Match Up to $150,000 in Employee Contributions

 ISLANDIA, N.Y., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — CA (Nasdaq: CA) today announced it will contribute $50,000 to support the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti and match up to $150,000 in employee contributions to various relief agencies.

 ”The devastation in Haiti is massive and our thoughts go out to those affected by this tragedy,” said Bill Hughes, CA’s corporate senior vice president of global communications. “CA and its employees have a long history of providing disaster relief to people and communities in need. We are making an appeal to our employees around the world to consider donating to the relief efforts through CA’s matching gifts program and will match up to $150,000 of these donations.”

 Hughes added that the Company is setting up donation centers at its large offices around the world to collect food and clothing to send to Haiti.

 The efforts are part of the Company’s CA Together program, which helps build strong and productive global communities through a wide variety of means, including IT Partnerships, Community Grants, Employee Volunteer Programs and Matching Gifts.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090402/NYTH500LOGO)

About CA

 Nasdaq: CA), the world’s leading independent IT management software company, helps customers optimize IT for better business results. CA’s Enterprise IT Management solutions for mainframe and distributed computing enable Lean IT—empowering organizations to more effectively govern, manage and secure their IT operations. For more information, visit http://www.ca.com.

 Connect with CA

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 Trademarks

 Copyright © 2010 CA. All Rights Reserved. One CA Plaza, Islandia, N.Y. 11749. All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.

MIAMI, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Miami based airline, Amerijet International, Inc. has teamed up with World Fuel Services to donate a relief flight from Miami to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

 Amerijet International, Inc. will open its facilities in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston and New York as of tomorrow January 15, 2010 to collect rice, dried beans, tents and money. All donations will be transported to Haiti by air and should only contain these types of goods, which are critical at this time to feed and shelter the homeless.  All cash donations collected will be given to the Fort Lauderdale based organization The Women of the Roundtable. The Women of the Roundtable have established a Rescue Efforts Relief Fund which will be used to purchase food supplies.

 Donation Locations – Amerijet International, Inc.:

 Miami: 3401-A N.W. 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33122 

Fort Lauderdale: 2800 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 USA

Houston: 15415 International Plaza Dr., Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77032

New York: 179-02 150th Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11434 

 The airline will work with the local relief agencies in Haiti who will ensure that the donated food and tents will be distributed to those in need.

 Amerijet operates weekly scheduled all-cargo flights to Haiti.  Our airport warehouse and offices are operational and staffed to resume normal cargo operations.  Due to government restrictions, commercial cargo is prohibited and Amerijet is only accepting relief supplies for its scheduled flights to Haiti.

 ”We are grateful to be able to help bring food and shelter to those whose lives might seem hopeless in this time of need and we are committed to working together to help the people of Haiti to rebuild their communities and lives,” said David Bassett, CEO of Amerijet. “Amerijet has been serving the Haitian community with weekly cargo flights since 1995 and we have always honored our commitment to the communities we serve.”

Amerijet International, Inc. is a full-service multi-modal transportation and logistics provider, offering international, scheduled all-cargo transport via land, sea, and air. Florida-based Amerijet operates offices all over the world, serving destinations throughout the Americas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Amerijet operates Boeing 727-200 and Boeing 767-200 aircraft from its primary hub at Miami International Airport, with 210,000-square-foot export and 100,000-square-foot imports air cargo handling facilities and a 50,000-square-foot ocean cargo facility. A custom-built 10,300 square-foot (227,419 cu. ft.) cooling facility was specially designed to maintain the cool chain integrity of perishables during the transportation process. In addition to the state-of-the-art design features, multiple pre-cooling systems, and 24 hour surveillance, the refrigerated storage space is subdivided into four climate-controlled chambers offering not only refrigerated, but frozen, and chilled storage. For additional information, visit Amerijet on the web at www.amerijet.com.

HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) today pledged up to $250,000 to match employee contributions to Red Cross disaster relief efforts following this week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.

 UTC will match 100 percent of individual contributions to Red Cross relief efforts up to $250 per employee, for a program maximum of $250,000 in matching funds. The Red Cross is raising money to pay for food, water, shelter, medical supplies and other humanitarian relief urgently needed in affected areas.

 ”UTC and its employees are saddened by the tragedy unfolding in Haiti,” said UTC Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Louis Chenevert. “The company is pleased to join with employees who are interested in contributing to help ease the suffering of those affected by this natural disaster.”

 UTC employees in the U.S. who wish to donate may do so through the American Red Cross Web site at http://american.redcross.org/supporthaiti. UTC employees living outside the U.S. may donate via the International Red Cross at http://donate.ifrc.org.

 UTC employees can apply for the company match to their contributions through UTC’s global matching gift program. Details on how to apply for the match will be communicated to UTC’s more than 200,000 employees worldwide via company intranet sites.

 United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries. UTC’s products include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines, Sikorsky helicopters, Carrier heating and air conditioning, Hamilton Sundstrand aerospace systems and industrial products, Otis elevators and escalators, UTC Fire & Security systems and UTC Power fuel cells.

OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — To help the victims of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, McDonald’s Corporation today announced a donation of $500,000 USD to be matched with donations from Arcos Dorados, the company that operates nearly 1,700 McDonald’s restaurants in Latin America. These combined contributions are estimated to total at least $1 million.

 ”McDonald’s has a long legacy of being a dependable corporate neighbor in times of need, and helping the people of Haiti during this crisis is absolutely the right thing to do,” said Jim Skinner, McDonald’s Chief Executive Officer. “While we don’t have McDonald’s restaurants in Haiti, our contribution reflects our commitment to people all over the world.”

 The funds will be channeled through the International Federation of the Red Cross to be used for its disaster relief efforts.

 Along with McDonald’s $500,000 USD matching donation, the team in Latin America has developed a grassroots program to raise funds. From January 16 until January 22, all McDonald’s restaurants operated by Arcos Dorados in 19 countries will donate 50 cents from the sales of individual Big Mac sandwiches and Big Mac Extra Value Meals. Arcos Dorados estimates that these fundraising efforts will generate a minimum of $500,000.

 About McDonald’s

McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 32,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees. Please visit our Web site at www.aboutmcdonalds.com to learn more about the Company.

 ©2010 McDonald’s

 The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, the Golden Arches Logo and Big Mac.

PARIS, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Haiti was struck by a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.0, causing a large number of deaths and injuries, as well as immense material destruction.

Faced with the enormity of the catastrophe, France Televisions and Radio France have joined with the Fondation de France in making an appeal for generosity in order to bring assistance to the most vulnerable of the affected population.

 How can you make a donation?

> by cheque, made out to:

Fondation de France – Solidarite Haiti

BP 22

75008 Paris

France

> online: http://www.fondationdefrance.org (secure donation)

 All France Televisions channels, RFO radio stations and Radio France stations will be making an appeal for donations. The TV News editions are all devoting significant time to covering the disaster, with regular updates on the situation as it develops in Haiti.

 Having played a major part in collecting donations in aid of victims of the Tsunami in 2004, the Fondation de France has demonstrated its expertise and its capacity to respond to the urgent needs of victims, by:

- bringing emergency relief to those in the greatest danger

- acting to rebuild and to restart economic activity

- bringing psychological help to the people most seriously affected.

 The sums collected via “Solidarite Haiti” will be redistributed to the organisations bringing aid to the victims of the earthquake, once immediate rescue operations have been carried out. They will be targeted at assisting a return to normal life so that those most affected can regain their confidence and their dignity.

 The Fondation de France will continue to ensure financial management and the supervision of projects that have been financed, for as long as may be necessary.

 At the end of this operation, a report on the sums spent will be made public.

 About Fondation de France

 The Fondation de France was established in 1969 to encourage the growth of all forms of private philanthropy.

 The Fondation de France contributes to the development of philanthropy by enabling individuals or companies to create their own foundation under its aegis, and to benefit from its advice on management.

 The Fondation de France sets up action programs in many fields: solidarity, the elderly or disabled, and for the benefit of children. Its areas of action also cover health, medical and scientific research, culture and the environment.

CONTACT:  Fondation de France: Emilie Loubie : +33(0)1-40-26-11-40 / +33-(0)6-62-20-91-97 / [email protected]; France Televisions: Aurelie Ferton – +33(0)1-56-22-67-15 / [email protected]; Radio France: Marine Billoir – +33(0)1-56-40-16-15 – / [email protected]

Verizon Wireless Customers Can Contribute $10 to Relief Efforts by Texting ‘HAITI’ to 90999

 NEW YORK, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — The Verizon Foundation has awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to World Vision and Food for the Poor to assist the victims of the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.

 In addition, the Verizon Foundation will match 1-to-1 every dollar donated by Verizon employees to the two nonprofit organizations, up to $1,000 per employee, through the Verizon disaster relief incentive program.

 ”The magnitude of the devastation in Haiti is almost unfathomable,” said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. “Verizon employees are always eager to assist those affected by tragedy, and through the disaster relief incentive program, the impact of their generosity will be doubled. Our hearts go out to all affected by the earthquake, and we will continue to explore ways to assist relief efforts.”

 Verizon Wireless customers can aid the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti by texting “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10. There are no text-messaging fees, and 100 percent of each $10 donation goes to the American Red Cross.

The Verizon Foundation’s $100,000 award consists of grants of $50,000 each to World Vision and Food for the Poor.

 World Vision is dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

 Food for the Poor raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through organizations already operating in areas of need.

 The Verizon Foundation, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $67.5 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $24.4 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation’s largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

 Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving more than 89 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

 VERIZON’S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon’s News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news.  To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

 CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2010: CaribPR Wire today announced it will join with partner, PR Newswire, in waiving all fees for all news releases relating to aid in rescue and recovery efforts for the Haiti earthquake crisis.

The fee waiver will be in effect through midnight on Sunday, January 17 for U.S. organizations submitting releases through the PR Newswire that communicates their efforts of assistance to media and public audiences in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Our hearts are broken by the January 12th catastrophe in Haiti,” said CaribPR Wire founder, Felicia Persaud. “As Caribbean nationals we feel it is imperative to give back in any way we can to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti in this time of need and to assist all those angels on earth who are pitching in their own time and resources to help.”

Organizations seeking to distribute their releases can do so through https://portal.prnewswire.com/.

About CaribPR Wire

CaribPR Wire is the official Caribbean wire service of the PR Newswire. It was established in 2005 by journalist Felicia Persaud to serve the Caribbean niche market in the U.S./UK, Canada and the Caribbean region. CaribPR Wire offers over three dozen guaranteed placements for clients seeking to reach the media in this niche and also a full service comprehensive PR campaign arm in the Caribbean American marketplace. CaribPR wire is owned by Hard Beat Communications, the minority-certified news, PR and Advertising agency serving the Caribbean markets.

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the global leader in innovative communications and marketing services, enabling organizations to connect and engage with their target audiences worldwide. Through its multi-channel distribution network, audience intelligence, targeting, and measurement services, PR Newswire helps corporations and organizations conduct rich, timely and dynamic dialogues with the media, consumers, policymakers, investors and the general public, in support of building brands, generating awareness, impacting public policy, driving sales, and raising capital. Pioneering the commercial news distribution industry 55 years ago, PR Newswire connects customers with audiences in more than 170 countries and in over 40 languages through an unparalleled network of offices in 16 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and via unique affiliations with the leading news agencies across the globe. PR Newswire is a subsidiary of United Business Media Limited (UBM.L), a leading global business media company that serves professional commercial communities around the world. For more information, go to www.UBM.com.

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Travel Guard announced today that it will provide free emergency travel and medical assistance services to travelers and families affected by this week’s earthquake in Haiti. Services available through Travel Guard include coordination of emergency medical arrangements and evacuations, temporary lodging, cash wire transfers, passport replacement, translation services, message relay, emergency travel arrangements, and luggage tracking for items lost during the quake.

 Travel Guard is also coordinating with its network of medical and evacuation specialists and air ambulance providers to monitor evacuation and assistance needs and facilitate evacuations from the area. Travelers in Haiti or their family members are encouraged to contact Travel Guard’s assistance coordinators for travel help or assistance in communicating with family members at home.

 ”Our thoughts and prayers are with all whose lives have been devastated by this tragic event,” said Dean Sivley, CEO of Travel Guard North America.  “We have a number of Travel Guard customers who are in the area and we are diligently working to provide the assistance they need including medical case management, relaying messages to family members and coordinating emergency travel arrangements. We are also extending these services to any U.S. and Canadian travelers and their family members who have been affected by the quake. We feel it is an important part of our social responsibility as a global provider of travel insurance plans and assistance services.”   

 Family members seeking these services for their relatives can call Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center at 866-644-6811.  From Haiti or areas outside the U.S., travelers can call Travel Guard collect at 715-295-1209.

 Travel Guard is the nation’s leading provider of travel insurance plans and assistance services.  For more information about Travel Guard, travelers can visit www.travelguard.com or call Travel Guard’s World Service Center at 1-800-826-1300.

 About Travel Guard

Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas.  Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks.  Travel Guard’s global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allows clients to receive best-in-class care.  Travel Guard’s suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels.  The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc.  For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguardworldwide.com.

The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard in the United States are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business in New York, NY. This is only a brief description of the coverages available.  The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions.  Coverage may not be available in all states.

Contact:  Dan McGinnity                  Erin McKeon

          Travel Guard                   MMG/Mardiks

          715.295.5998                   212-219-7560 X6767

          [email protected]  [email protected]

WAYNE, N.J., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — As part of its ongoing commitment to keep children safe and help them in times of need, the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund today announced a $150,000 donation to help Save the Children in its efforts to provide immediate relief to victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday.

 ”Save the Children is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the unique needs of the world’s youngest victims in the wake of natural disasters. According to Save the Children, the quake is the worst disaster Haiti has experienced in over 200 years.

 ”Save the Children is truly thankful for the support offered by the Toys”R”Us family to launch rapid relief for children and families who had so little even before this crisis,” said Dr. Charles F. MacCormack, President of Save the Children. “We have worked in Haiti for over 20 years and are already responding to the disaster with child-focused efforts based on our first assessments and conditions on the ground.”

 In addition to delivering immediate relief, including food, shelter, hygiene supplies and water, Save the Children is working to support the emotional needs of the littlest victims of this disaster, as these children have experienced tremendous shock and now face uncertainty in the coming weeks and months.

 Toys”R”Us, Inc. and the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund, a public charity associated with Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us, together have an ongoing partnership with Save the Children to offer support in situations where children need urgent assistance as a result of large-scale disasters in the U.S. and around the world.

 Company employees are also responding to the crisis in Haiti by making individual donations to relief efforts, including to Save the Children. These donations will be eligible to be matched through the Toys”R”Us, Inc. Matching Gifts Program.

 About the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund

The Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund is a public charity affiliated with Toys”R”Us, Inc. The core mission of the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund is to keep children safe and help them in times of need. Since it was founded in 1992, the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund has contributed millions of dollars to qualified organizations that support that mission, including those providing disaster relief to children and families who are victims of large-scale crises. The Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund also provides grants to leading organizations that support children with special needs.

 About Toys”R”Us, Inc.

Toys”R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands.  It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it sells extraordinary toys in two FAO Schwarz stores in the United States.  With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with an unparalleled online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. In addition, the company operates ePregnancy.com, an online resource for parents. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys”R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The PepsiCo Foundation today announced it will donate $1 million to the earthquake victims in Haiti and that PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) will provide Quaker products as well as bottled water and Gatorade for the disaster victims through its bottlers in Florida and the Dominican Republic.

 Of the $1 million, the PepsiCo Foundation has committed $500,000 for humanitarian relief to be allocated to three of its strategic partners, including the American Red Cross (to be earmarked for Red Cross partners operating in Haiti), Save the Children and Friends of the World Food Program.

The remaining $500,000 of the pledge will be used to support longer-term rebuilding efforts designed to strengthen Haiti’s infrastructure and limit significant damage from future disasters.

 About the PepsiCo Foundation

Established in 1962, the PepsiCo Foundation is the philanthropic anchor of PepsiCo, responsible for providing charitable contributions to eligible non-profit organizations. The Foundation is committed to developing sustainable partnerships and programs in underserved regions that provide opportunities for improved health, environment and inclusion. For more information visit:  http://www.pepsico.com/Purpose/PepsiCo-Foundation.aspx.

 About PepsiCo

PepsiCo offers the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 18 different product lines that each generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade – also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to our consumers in over 200 countries. With more than $43 billion in 2008 revenues, PepsiCo employs 198,000 people who are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth, called Performance with Purpose. By dedicating ourselves to offering a broad array of choices for healthy, convenient and fun nourishment, reducing our environmental impact, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, PepsiCo balances strong financial returns with giving back to our communities worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — One Hour Translation (https://www.OneHourTranslation.com) is assisting the victims of the Haiti earthquake and the rescue forces aiding them. 

 One Hour Translation will help overcome the language barriers between the people of Haiti and the different international organizations, and between the organizations themselves.

 One Hour Translation will translate for free up to 250 words for organizations offering aid to the victims of the Haiti earthquake and for the victims of the earthquake.

 Additional translations of over 250 words will be translated at cost price.

 To get your text translated please contact us via our Haiti aid dedicated email [email protected] or call our hotline at – +1-646-845-9597

 For additional information please go to https://www.OneHourTranslation.com/Haiti-aid

 About One Hour Translation Ltd.

 One Hour Translation is the world’s fastest professional translation service. One Hour Translation provides Fast, High Quality Expert Translation service on a 24/7 basis thanks to a community of over 8000 certified translators from all over the world.

 Contact person

Lior Libman

COO, One Hour Translation Ltd.

Phone – +1-646-845-9597

Email – [email protected]

Church opens doors to Soles4Souls’ CEO to help raise funds for relief effort

 NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Nashville’s hopepark church announced late Wednesday it will help Soles4Souls Inc., the shoe charity, in their efforts to ship 100,000 pairs of shoes to the survivors of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. The death toll from the 7.0 earthquake is estimated to reach more than 100,000 people. It is considered the worst disaster to hit the Caribbean in more than 200 years. 

 After hearing news of the disaster and watching the devastation unfold, hopepark Pastor David Perez knew his church body would want to respond and support the people of Haiti.  Once he received word of the shoe charity’s commitment, he reached out to Soles4Souls.

 ”Showing compassion to our neighbors by growing faith, giving hope and spreading love is one of the principles on which our church operates,” explained Perez, who has led the hopepark church (formerly Bellevue Community Church) since 2007.  “The scale of the tragedy in Haiti moves all of us to respond.  Fortunately, Soles4Souls is positioned to begin immediately delivering relief – and hope – to the people of Haiti.”

 On Sunday, January 17th, Soles4Souls’ Founder Wayne Elsey will be present at hopepark church to share the mission of the shoe charity and allow congregants the opportunity to support the relief efforts in place. The services are broadcast live on the Internet at hopepark.com/resources/webcast.

 ”Recovery for the people of Haiti will require a sustained humanitarian effort from everyone who can give,” said Wayne Elsey.  “We are grateful to our partners at hopepark for their support and need other organizations to get involved in the process of rescuing and rebuilding the lives of these victims.” 

 According to Elsey, a pair of decent shoes is absolutely necessary in order to participate effectively in rescue and rebuilding efforts among broken glass, twisted metal and raw sewage. The shoe charity has received truckloads of work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes, sport sandals, socks and other accessories to be delivered as soon as possible to aid centers in Haiti.  In partnership with several other aid organizations, Soles4Souls is also sending emergency aid that includes footwear, food, medical supplies, bottled water, tents, blankets, baby products and more.

 For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.

 About Soles4Souls®

Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you.  We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

 About the hopepark church

Founded in 1988, the hopepark church is defined by its congregation’s commitment to growing faith, giving hope and spreading love. hopepark has become known as a church where all are welcome – regardless of background or belief – because every life is important to God.

 hopepark services are held Sundays at 8:30am, 10am and 11:30am, and are broadcast live on the Internet.  Learn more at www.hopepark.com.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Kirk for Soles4Soles, +1-615-391-5723, [email protected]; or Colleen Gibson for hopepark church, +1-615-662-6136, [email protected]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Kellogg Company today announced a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist with earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. The contribution is being made by Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund, the charitable arm of Kellogg Company. 

“This disaster has devastated what is already one of the poorest countries in the world,” said Dr. Celeste Clark, senior vice president of corporate affairs, Kellogg Company.  “The situation for the people of Haiti is dire, and we believe it is critical for us to provide support to relief efforts.”

For the past year, Kellogg has partnered with a humanitarian organization to provide food in Haiti.  Kellogg will work with this organization and others involved in relief efforts to continue to provide food products.

In addition, Kellogg will encourage employees and retirees to support relief efforts by providing a dollar-for-dollar match to the American Red Cross.

With 2008 sales of nearly $13 billion, Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods.  Kellogg products are manufactured in 19 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries around the world. Kellogg Company and Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund, the charitable arm of Kellogg Company, contributed more than $40 million in cash and $120 million in product to various charitable organizations around the world over the last five years.  Visit www.kelloggcompany.com.  Kellogg’s Corporate Responsibility report including its approach, progress and future direction in the marketplace, workplace, environment and community can be found at www.kelloggcompany.com/CR.  For information on Kellogg Company’s commitment to nutrition, visit www.kelloggnutrition.com.

Company and its domestic and international Foundations to support emergency relief efforts

 BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — In response to the tragic earthquake in Haiti, Walmart operations around the world and the Walmart Foundation today announced a $500,000 monetary donation to Red Cross emergency relief efforts in Haiti. The company is also sending pre-packaged food kits valued at $100,000 to Haiti at the request of the Red Cross.

 An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck southwest of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, on Tuesday afternoon, devastating the city and leaving thousands dead.

 ”At Walmart, helping communities is what we do every day around the world, especially in times of need,” said Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Walmart International. “Many of the markets where we operate in the Americas’ region are launching support campaigns, and we will continue to look for opportunities to provide much needed relief.”

 The Walmart Foundation has also launched a web page, www.walmartstores.com/haiti through which customers and associates can make donations to nonprofits that are also supporting relief efforts in Haiti.

 ”Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the devastation in Haiti, including the hundreds of thousands of Haitians who are our customers and our associates in the U.S. and abroad,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We will continue to monitor the situation and look for additional ways that we can assist in the relief efforts.”

 ”The American Red Cross is rushing supplies and disaster management staff to Haiti in the aftermath of this earthquake, and we are grateful for the generous contributions of Walmart, its associates and its customers,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Walmart has been there to help save the day for people during their time of need both in the U.S. and across the world, supporting the work of the American Red Cross to bring help and hope during emergencies.”

 In September 2008, Walmart donated more than $100,000 to support disaster relief for Haitians that were impacted by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which killed hundreds of people and damaged and destroyed thousands of homes.

 About Philanthropy at Walmart 

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

PR Newswire has created a special section for news related to the Haiti earthquake crisis.  To access news and information from organizations responding to the situation, please go to www.prnewswire.com/media.  Registration is free for journalists.

 The public may view news releases issued by PR Newswire members at http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/earthquake-in-haiti-latest-news-81309442.html, under Earthquake in Haiti.

 Through the upcoming weekend, PR Newswire will be waiving fees associated with distributing news releases that concern aid to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.  Fees will be waived for organizations in the U.S. that wish to communicate their efforts of assistance to audiences in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. 

 Contact: Rachel Meranus at +1.201.360.6776 or 646.295.5401 or [email protected].

 For Spanish-language inquiries, please contact Cristy Clavijo-Kish at 305.322.4283.

 /PRNewswire — Jan. 13/

Organizations offering aid to the victims of the Haiti earthquake can distribute their messages through PR Newswire in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean at no charge; all releases will also be distributed through PR Newswire’s partner CSRwire

NEW YORK, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ — PR Newswire has waived fees for all news releases relating to aid in rescue and recovery efforts for the Haiti earthquake crisis.

 (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000306/PRNLOGO )

 PR Newswire will waive fees through midnight on Sunday, January 17 for U.S. organizations that wish to communicate their efforts of assistance to media and public audiences in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, in addition to the many academics, activists, CSR investment houses, NGOs, educational institutions and government bodies served by PR Newswire’s corporate social responsibility partner, CSRwire. 

 ”There is a huge rescue and relief effort underway to help the people of Haiti recover from this devastation and it is critical that any organization in a position to help does so,” said Scott Mozarsky, executive vice president, PR Newswire.  “By granting access to our vast communications network, PR Newswire can assist those organizations who are announcing initiatives to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti get their important messages to their intended audiences.  Our customers and employees have come to expect that PR Newswire will offer our assistance in times of crisis such as this, and we are very happy to be able to do so.” 

 To view news releases issued by PR Newswire members offering aid, please visit: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/earthquake-in-haiti-latest-news-81309442.html under Earthquake in Haiti.

 About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the global leader in innovative communications and marketing services, enabling organizations to connect and engage with their target audiences worldwide.

 Through its multi-channel distribution network, multimedia, audience intelligence, targeting, measurement and compliance services, PR Newswire helps corporations and organizations conduct rich, timely and dynamic dialogues with the media, consumers, policymakers, investors and the general public, in support of building brands, generating awareness, impacting public policy, driving sales, and raising capital.

 Pioneering the commercial news distribution industry 55 years ago, PR Newswire connects customers with audiences in more than 170 countries and in over 40 languages through an unparalleled network of offices in 16 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and via unique affiliations with the leading news agencies across the globe.  PR Newswire is a subsidiary of United Business Media Limited (UBM.L), a leading global business media company that serves professional commercial communities around the world. For more information, go to www.UBM.com.

RICHMOND HILL, Canada, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ – WireIE Holdings International Inc. and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) are pleased to release a comprehensive White Paper entitled “”Developing a Communication Infrastructure for the Smart Grid.”"

The White Paper walks through two future Distributed Generation (DG) scenarios, as envisioned by the authors V.K. Sood, D. Fischer, and J.M. Eklund from UOIT, and WireIE CTO Tim Brown.

The paper is a collaborative effort and details the communication network and data management facilities required to meet the strict latency requirements associated with the with DG scenarios discussed.

The WireIE/UOIT partnership is a long-term commitment by the partners and focuses on the advancing of Smart Grid. A computer simulation based on the White Paper is currently being worked on in order to validate the conceptual design of the communication network and data management facilities. The results of the computer simulation will be released in Feb. 2010.

The White Paper may be found here: http://www.wireie.com/pdfs/Developing_a_Communication_Infrastructure_for_the_Smart_Grid.pdf

(Due to the length of the URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste it into your web browser.)

Abstract:

The Smart Grid of the future, while expected to affect all areas of the Electric Power System, from Generation, to Transmission, to Distribution, cannot function without an extensive data communication system. Smart Grid has the potential to support high levels of Distributed Generation (DG); however the current standards governing the interconnection of DG do not allow the implementation of several applications which may be beneficial to the grid. This paper discusses some of the Smart Grid applications, and estimates the communication requirements of a medium data intensive Smart Grid device. Two issues that will become very important with the spread of DG are DG Islanding and DG Availability. For each issue, we propose data communication enabled solutions and enhancements.

About WireIE

WireIE Holdings International Inc. is a global provider of wireless network transformations and extensions. These solutions scale from large urban, regional and national networks, to campus and enterprise networks. With unique expertise in wireless/IP integration, WireIE offers a whole product solution in support of wireless technologies including but not limited to, UMTS and EV-DO (3G/3.5G), along with fourth generation technologies including WiMAX and LTE. WireIE can provide a suite of solutions for Local Electricity Distributors who are adding enhanced intelligence and control to their grid. We can design, build and operate the broadband communication network that will enable Smart Grid applications and devices. More information about WireIE is available at http://www.wireie.com/ .

About UOIT

As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT’s more than 5,500 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. UOIT’s commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. More information about UOIT is available at www.uoit.ca.

SOURCE WireIE Holdings International Inc.

-0- 11/05/2009

CaribPR Wire, WASHINGTON, D.C., Thurs. Sept. 24, 2009: The Congressional Back Caucus Annual Legislative Conference will host a forum called, “”Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Census 2010, What’s In It for Us.”" The forum will address issues and questions that those from Caribbean and African nations have faced while residing in the United States. Topics will include issues such as economic exclusion, and lack of social development opportunities. The panel also will address how the Census is directly related to community assistance; how nonprofits are funded based on Census numbers; and also how Census numbers affect education, health care and even child-care regulations. Overall, this panel will discuss areas of interest for moving a common Black agenda in census and immigration.

Since many first-generation immigrants often are leery of governmental assistance, the forum hopes to decrease overall concern and distrust of the government, while also increasing Census participation among Caribbean and African families.

Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, is serving as a National Profile Partner to increase participation among Caribbean communities. As a Census partner, Nelson communicates how an accurate Census protects the interests of Caribbean-American organizations, public institutions and social service programs that are directly relevant to the survival and growth of these communities.

ICS is an organization that promotes initiatives that strengthen the Caribbean-American community.

U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke of New York’s 11th Congressional District, will chair the forum. Clarke recently introduced a historic bill that would require that Caribbean nationals have their own origins category on the U.S. Census form. Clarke is the daughter of Caribbean immigrants.

WHO: Yvette Clarke, U.S. Congresswoman Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder, Institute of Caribbean Studies Dr. John Flateau, Medgar Evers College Kwasi Afrifa, African Federation, Inc. Marlein Bastien, Haitian community activist from MiamiMelanie Campbell, CEO of National Coalition for Black Civic Participation

WHEN: Friday, September 25, 2009 11 a.m.

U.S. Census reaches out to encourage Caribbean communities to participate in the 2010 count

CaribPR Wire, DETROIT, MI, Mon. Aug. 31, 2009: Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), will collaborate with the U.S. Census and serve as a National Profile Partner to increase participation among Caribbean and other immigrant communities. ICS is an organization that promotes initiatives that strengthen the Caribbean-American community. Nelson also serves as Chair of the National Caribbean American Complete Count Committee.

In her role as a National Profile Partner, Nelson will act as a liaison between the U.S. Census and the Caribbean American audience. Nelson will stress the importance of Caribbean communities participating in the Census, as well as the direct connection between the Census, government representation and support.

Because of that direct link, Nelson also will communicate how an accurate Census protects the interests of Caribbean-American organizations, public institutions and social service programs that are directly relevant to the survival and growth of these communities.

“”The Caribbean population in America must be represented in full for continued economic and political progress in our community,”" said Nelson. “”We must communicate to all Caribbean Americans that participation in the U.S. Census will not adversely affect our communities, but instead will allow them to flourish and be strengthened. Whether you are immigrant or native born; whether documented or not; whether Barbadian, Haitian, Jamaican, whether African descent of Asian origin, it is important to us and our children that we stand up and be counted.”"

At this time, the Caribbean-American population in the U.S. is estimated at 5 million. Many African Americans are second-generation Caribbean immigrants.

Since its founding in 1993, ICS has worked to ensure the well-being and future prosperity of Caribbean Americans, by placing Caribbean American interests in the center of U.S. policymakers. Nelson has been a longstanding pioneer for public policy that affects Caribbean Americans, using ICS as a means to tout the contributions of the Caribbean population to America and serving as Campaign Chair for the Commemoration of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month. She has also been a forerunner in shaping dialogue processes between immigrants of African descent and the African-American community, and serves on a variety of Boards and advisory groupings such as the Black Leadership Forum, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and the African Federation.

About Dr. Claire A. Nelson Claire A. Nelson is the founder and president of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, a non-governmental organization working to promote Caribbean-American collaboration in policy and development issues. She is also an international development expert with more than 25 years of experience. Prior to founding ICS, she was artistic director of the Caribbean Heritage Group, a cultural arts organization. A performance artist, storyteller and writer, Nelson has written, choreographed, directed and produced several plays, musicals, and video documentaries on issues related to social change and history. She received her Ph.D. in Engineering Management from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Census The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to distribute congressional seats to states and to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year. The 2010 Census questionnaire will be one of the shortest in history, consisting of 10 questions and taking about 10 minutes to complete.

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