CaribPR Wire

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The devastating earthquake in Haiti has shattered millions of lives, but the relief efforts and outpouring of support by organizations and individuals worldwide offer hope. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working diligently since the disaster to provide aid to the people of Haiti through its humanitarian aid program. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of relief supplies have arrived already, and more are being shipped.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, with over 13 million members world-wide. As committed Christians with strong traditional values, the Church actively participates in humanitarian efforts, from small-scale local projects in hospitals, schools and communities, to large-scale emergency relief efforts such as the recent Haiti earthquake.

In the Caribbean islands, there are more than 150,000 members of the LDS Church, in 369 congregations. Over 15,000 of these members live in Haiti, half of these calling Port-au-Prince home.

“Our hearts ache for the people of Haiti and our prayers are with them as we witness the unimaginable suffering they are experiencing,” said Bishop H. David Burton, presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who oversees the Church’s humanitarian program. “We are grateful for the many generous donations that enable the Church to provide extensive relief in Haiti, as well as other parts of the world.”

Relief Supplies Provided by the Church
Five air shipments of aid provided by the Church have arrived and are being used in Haiti. They include food, medical supplies, communications equipment, tents, tarps, water filtration bottles, blankets, newborn kits, wheelchairs, first aid kits, portable toilets and other items. Those five flights include a total of nearly 375,000 pounds of relief supplies. Partners United Airlines, Islamic Relief USA, Airline Ambassadors and UPS have worked with the Church to provide transport for these shipments.

Additionally, four truckloads of relief supplies have arrived in Haiti with supplies the Church procured in the Dominican Republic. On the ground in Haiti, the Church is working with partners Food for the Poor and CARE to distribute supplies.

Local Church leaders closest to the situation provide the direction for what supplies are most needed for people in their areas. Future shipments will continue to bring those relief supplies.

“Normal daily activity has come to a stop in Haiti. Helping to restore normalcy in the midst of devastation will be our greatest goal. Our focus will be on helping people become self-reliant again,” said Elder Francisco J. Viñas, the LDS Church area president who oversees the Church in Haiti.

Medical Relief
A team of five medical personnel coordinated by the Church arrived on Friday, 15 January, from the Dominican Republic to assist the injured. Another team of 16 medical professionals from the United States arrived on 18 January and provided emergency care for those needing medical attention. A revolving core team of doctors from the Church remains in Haiti providing general health care, follow-up care for injuries, as well as for sickness and communicable disease common after disasters.

Church Meetinghouses as Shelters
All of the Church’s meetinghouses in Haiti have been left largely undamaged. Local Church leaders report that nine chapels in Haiti have been used to shelter as many as 5,000 people in local communities where the chapels are located. Several truckloads of food and other relief supplies have been shipped to the chapels, and doctors sent by the Church have provided treatment to injured and sick individuals who are taking shelter there.

Generosity of Members and Friends of the Church
In the first few days after the earthquake the LDS Church received donations in the millions of US dollars from concerned members of the community, specifically for aid in Haiti. Church members in the Caribbean Area have been invited to dedicate their February monthly fast offering to the Haiti relief effort. When fasting, members traditionally donate the money they save by not eating two meals to the church for providing financial help to those in need; those who can donate more are encouraged to do so.

An official statement from the Church on January 22, 2010 also addressed the emotional trauma the Haitian people are experiencing in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

“Money is not the only need in Haiti,” the statement explains. “People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people.”

Donations for relief efforts can be made at http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.

PHILADELPHIA and EAST RIVERTON, N.J., Feb. 1  /PRNewswire/ — Sea Box, Inc., an ISO-certified shipping container manufacturing and modification company (www.seabox.com) is sending a container filled with relief supplies – including their ShelterPak for converting the container box into habitable housing – to Haiti. The aid was prompted by a company engineer, Werner Guerrier, a Haitian native with a large extended family in Carrefour, Port au Prince, Haiti who lost his sister and nephew in the earthquake. 

In an effort to support their co-worker and other survivors of the earthquake, Sea Box employees have donated food, water and clothing and the owners of Sea Box have donated a 20 foot shipping container (and shipping) – complete with a ShelterPAK module already installed. 

Sea Box created the “ShelterPAK” six years ago in response to demand for easily installed basic housing units for disaster areas.  Designed to fit into a standard 20 foot shipping container, when installed, it turns a basic shipping container into a livable shelter.  

The Sea Box container with ShelterPAK is destined for Carrefour, Mr. Guerrier’s hometown where the food, water and clothing will be distributed to JEBCA D’HAITI, an organization of the church M.E.B.S.H. de Cote-Plage, directed by Pastor Rev. Samson Dorilas.  Sadly, 39 members of this church lost their lives, and many more lost their houses. JEBCA D’HAITI will be in charge of the distribution of all the items donated and intend to use the shelter as a medical treatment center.

“Sea Box has the ability to deliver 5,000 ShelterPAKs per week to Haiti where these kits can be easily inserted into the empty shipping containers currently sitting at the Port in Haiti. In the next six months aid to Haiti will be sent in an estimated 100,000 of the standard 20-foot cargo containers. Once unloaded, these same containers could serve as life-saving shelters with the installation of a ShelterPAK,” said Jim Brennan, Jr., President of Sea Box, Inc. “We at Sea Box thought the best way we could help Haiti – and our colleague – is to provide both supplies and the product and services we are best at – the efficient and economical use of containers. Our ShelterPAK makes the container itself useful once the supplies are distributed.”

Cargo containers have been used in other countries for emergency shelters. ShelterPAKs meet earthquake zone specifications and exceed the structural codes.  They are sturdy, safe and economical (estimated $4,000 per ShelterPAK, installed) on a permanent site.  They allow families to be back on their own land quickly and these families can also reconstruct their houses around the container making it a permanent emergency shelter at the core of their homes.

About Sea Box, Inc. (www.seabox.com)
Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia (East Riverton NJ), with offices in Charleston, SC, Qingdao, China and Fyshwick, Australia, Sea Box was established in 1983 by current President Jim Brennan Jr. The company specializes in new design, modification and manufacture of ISO quality-certified containers for commercial and military applications such as personnel shelters, power generating stations, large computer data centers, interim housing units, mobile latrine-toilet-shower shelters, Coast Guard approved berthing vans and portable laboratories.

PADF-OAS-HUFH relief efforts get a major financial boost

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Chevron has donated $450,000 to the Pan American Development Foundation’s Haiti disaster relief and recovery effort, a major contribution that will have a significant impact on the nonprofit’s in-country work. www.PanAmericanRelief.org

“Chevron is a shining example of corporate leadership during natural disasters and humanitarian crises,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director “Chevron’s generous contribution to our work in Haiti ensures that we can benefit even more people in some of the mostly heavily damaged areas.”

PADF — an independent nonprofit that also acts as the natural disaster arm of Organization of American States (OAS) — is collaborating with Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH) and other organizations to provide immediate relief and to contribute to the country’s reconstruction.

“PADF has always taken a long-term approach to helping Haiti. We were there for them before and we are proud to be able to respond to the call for support again in providing immediate relief and assistance,” says Mauricio Nicholls, general manager, retail and commercial and industrial, Caribbean, Central America and Andean regions for Chevron Products Company.

Chevron is also matching its USA employee contributions to PADF-OAS-HUFH and encouraging employees around the globe to contribute to the earthquake relief efforts. Employees are donating online at www.PanAmericanRelief.org. Chevron’s contribution to PADF is part of a $1.2 million donation to several aid organizations working in Haiti.

In addition to Haiti, Chevron has been involved in PADF’s relief efforts in Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, Ecuador, Peru and elsewhere. It is a founding member of PADF’s Disaster Management and Emergency Response Program, which was created to channel corporate contributions to relief efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Individual and corporate donations to the Haiti relief efforts are encouraged by calling toll-free (877) 572-4484 or visiting www.PanAmericanRelief.org. Text HEAL to 50555 to donate $5. One-hundred percent of donations go to Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

About Chevron
Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business across the globe. The company’s success is driven by the ingenuity and commitment of approximately 62,000 employees who operate across the energy spectrum. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and other energy products; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops and commercializes the energy resources of the future, including biofuels and other renewables. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.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 HUFH
Hollywood Unites For Haiti is a non-profit charitable aid organization based in Los Angeles that is lead by Jimmy Jean-Louis, the actor who plays the “Haitian” on NBC’s “Heroes.” www.hufh.org and www.HaitianHero.com

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

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 [email protected]. 

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.

Quick International Courier donates its services for fast delivery

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Today, International Breast Milk Project (IBMP) and Quick International Courier delivered close to 500 ounces of donor breast milk for premature, sick and orphaned infants aboard the USNS Comfort’s Medical Treatment Center stationed outside Haiti.

The ship is equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit and medical staff to provide emergency care to the youngest victims of the earthquake. They are uniquely positioned to handle a donation of breast milk because they maintain cold chain requirements and ensure proper handling and security of the donation.

Emphasizing the importance of human milk, Jay N. Gordon, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UCLA Medical School, said, “Nothing protects at-risk, premature or sick infants like mother’s milk does.  Breast milk’s natural antibodies prevent illnesses, treat illnesses and will save lives.”

The earthquake that devastated Haiti has left countless infants without their mothers and without breast milk. Amanda Nickerson, Executive Director, for International Breast Milk Project told MediaGlobal, “Unfortunately, without proper infrastructure in place, frozen donor milk is not going to be a viable option for so many infants in need, but we are happy to make a difference in the lives of the infants aboard the USNS Comfort.”

Quick International Courier, a global medical logistics specialist, donated their services to provide packaging, dry ice and the fastest and most secure cold chain transport services to Haiti.

“It is so rewarding to be able to help make a difference in the lives of orphaned and critically ill babies.  As a mother and a person concerned about the world and health, this project really speaks to my heart,” said Dominique Bischoff-Brown, COO of Quick International Courier.

This humanitarian project has been made possible with the active cooperation of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, who provided the donor milk, Toby and Maggie Moffett, of the Moffett Group in Washington, D.C., and the offices of Congressman Courtney, Congresswomen Betty McCollum, and Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and the dedicated staff of the USNS Comfort.

IBMP is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding solutions to ensure that infants worldwide have access to donor milk when they need it. Since its inception, IBMP has provided over 65,000 bottles (262,682 ounces, 7,768 liters or 2,052 gallons) of donor breast milk to infants around the world.

For more information, please contact Amanda Nickerson, Executive Director. Cell: 786.837.3082. Email: [email protected].

Visit www.breastmilkproject.org for additional details.

NEW YORK, Jan.  28 /PRNewswire/ — Coty Inc., a leader in the global beauty industry, announced today a collective donation of $100,000 to two humanitarian organizations involved in the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

The company is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization working closely with the Haitian Red Cross and other partners to provide immediate relief to those affected in Haiti.  Coty is also contributing $50,000 to Save the Children, an international organization working in Haiti since 1978, which has over 200 staff members in the country responding to the immediate needs of children and their families.

“Our hearts go out to the countless victims of the earthquake in Haiti and their families around the world,” said Bernd Beetz, Coty’s Chief Executive Officer.  “In addition to our corporate donation to both the American Red Cross and Save the Children, our 10,000 employees worldwide are continuing to support numerous Haiti relief efforts around the globe.  As a company, Coty is committed to further supporting recovery needs.”

About Coty Inc.
Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.

Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Baby Phat, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloe, Chopard, Davidoff, Home Skin Lab, Jennifer Lopez, Jette Joop, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, La Voce by Renee Fleming, Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nautica, Nikos, Phat Farm, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Wolfgang Joop.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, Astor, Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Esprit, Exclamation, Faith Hill, GUESS, Halle Berry, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Miss Sixty, Miss Sporty, N.Y.C. New York Color, Pierre Cardin(1), Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Shania Twain, Stetson, Tim McGraw and Tonino Lamborghini.

Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.A. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, Prada, and Paco Rabanne in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.

(1) Not available in North America

***** MEDIA ADVISORY FOR AUDIO PRESS BRIEFING ON HAITI TODAY – THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, AT 1 PM EST *****

WHO:  Save the Children, American Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, Habitat for Humanity, World Vision, and other members of InterAction, a coalition of more than 150 U.S. humanitarian organizations.

WHAT:  Save the Children and other U.S. humanitarian relief organizations will share details of their work in Haiti, including progress, challenges, and what needs to be done in the future. From Port-au-Prince, Save the Children’s Director of Emergency Health and Nutrition, Kathryn Bolles, will speak about protecting the health and nutrition of children.  The groups will also discuss food distribution, camp conditions, orphans and child protection, rescue and recovery, and lessons learned from past disasters.

WHEN:  Today – Thursday, January 28, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (EST)

WHERE:  This is a call-in audio briefing.

 
Call in information:
U.S. Toll-Free:                           888-299-4099
Canadian Toll-Free:                       866-682-1172
International Toll:                       302-709-8337
Verbal Passcode (to be given to the
 operator):                               VC27526

Save the Children and other organizations within the InterAction alliance have raised $350 million from the American public to put toward relief efforts. Since the earthquake on January 12, Save the Children’s staff members in Haiti have been responding to the immediate needs of children and families.  The humanitarian organization has worked in Haiti since 1978 and has more than 250 staff in the country.
 
Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

CONTACT:  Tanya Weinberg of Save the Children, +1-202-640-6647,

/PRNewswire-USNewswire — Jan. 28/

Teen Retailer will match the first 100,000 jeans donated thru the Teens for Jeans campaign with brand new jeans for Haiti disaster victims

 NEW YORK, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — In support of its third annual “Teens for Jeans” initiative with teen not-for-profit DoSomething.org, NYC-based teen retailer Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE: ARO) announced it will be matching the first 100,000 pairs donated with brand new jeans to be delivered to the victims of the Haiti earthquake. 

 ”Teens for Jeans” raises awareness about the youth homelessness epidemic by inspiring teens across the U.S. and Canada to collect gently worn jeans and donate them to homeless youth in their own communities. In response to the earthquake in Haiti, Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org are extending the campaign’s reach beyond the U.S. and Canada to help teens affected by the disaster.

 ”Most teens don’t have credit cards or disposable income, but they want to make a difference,” says DoSomething.org Chief Marketing Officer Aria Finger.  “DoSomething.org never asks teens for money — we just want their passion, creativity, time and now their jeans.”

The campaign collected over 200,000 pairs of jeans in 2009 and this year teens are already gearing up to top that effort.

“Teens for Jeans is one of the cornerstones of Aeropostale’s charitable efforts to benefit teens. What makes this year’s campaign so special is the opportunity for us all to think locally and act globally,” says Aeropostale’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Scott Birnbaum.  “The crisis in Haiti makes us painfully aware that help is needed not only in our own backyards but in communities everywhere.”

 Twilight: New Moon star Ashley Greene and funnyman Justin Long came together to shoot a Public Service Announcement for the campaign.

 ”When I heard the statistics, it was hard to ignore. Teens everywhere want to help with this important issue of youth homelessness and now the earthquake in Haiti,” explains Ashley Greene.” I want to do everything I can to help young people take action, and ‘Teens for Jeans’ is a great way for them to get involved.”

 ”I got involved with this campaign because it is so important that no teen goes this winter without warm clothes,” Justin Long adds. “I want every fan to join me in bringing their jeans into any Aero store to make this the most successful year ever.”

 You can view their PSA at TeensforJeans.com.

Starting Tuesday, January 19th until Sunday, February 14th, people are encouraged to bring in any brand of their gently worn jeans to any Aeropostale store in the U.S. and Canada. Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org will make sure the jeans are donated teens in Haiti as well as to one of the 600 local youth shelters that have been selected as partners.  As an extra incentive for those who donate, Aeropostale will give an additional 25% off a new pair of jeans, though no purchase is necessary. Donors will also have the chance to win signed jeans from Kellan Lutz, Kelly Clarkson, cast members of 90210, Glee, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and many more of today’s young stars.

 In addition to getting customers involved in stores, Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org are encouraging teenagers in their local high schools and colleges to coordinate “Teens for Jeans” school drives.  Students who collect more than 500 pairs of jeans will receive a banner for their school, recognition on the DoSomething.org and Aeropostale websites and the chance to win a pizza party for their entire class.

To learn how to get involved or for more information about teen homelessness and what you can do, visit teensforjeans.com.

 About Aeropostale, Inc.

Aeropostale, Inc. is a mall-based, specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and men through its Aeropostale® stores and 7 to 12 year-old kids through its P.S. from Aeropostale™ stores. The Company provides customers with a focused selection of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion and fashion basic merchandise at compelling values. Aeropostale® maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale® products can only be purchased in its Aeropostale stores and online at www.aeropostale.com. P.S. from Aeropostale™ products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale™ stores and online at www.ps4u.com. The Company currently operates 894 Aeropostale stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico, 44 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 14 P.S. from Aeropostale stores in 5 states. 

 About Do Something

DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the United States that helps young people rock causes they care about  A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org in on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers:  teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.  Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.

 SPECIAL NOTE: THIS PRESS RELEASE AND ORAL STATEMENTS MADE FROM TIME TO TIME BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANY CONTAIN CERTAIN “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” CONCERNING EXPECTATIONS FOR SALES, STORE OPENINGS, GROSS MARGINS, EXPENSES, STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND EARNINGS.  ACTUAL RESULTS MIGHT DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. AMONG THE FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO MATERIALLY DIFFER INCLUDE, CHANGES IN THE COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW PRODUCTS OR PRICING CHANGES BY OUR COMPETITORS, CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY AND OTHER EVENTS LEADING TO A REDUCTION IN DISCRETIONARY CONSUMER SPENDING; SEASONALITY; RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN SOCIAL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND OTHER CONDITIONS AND THE POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF CHANGES IN IMPORT RESTRICTIONS; RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH UNCERTAINTY RELATING TO THE COMPANY’S ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT ITS GROWTH STRATEGIES, AS WELL AS THE OTHER RISK FACTORS SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY’S FORM 10-K AND QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FORM 10-Q, FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Charity800.com is responding to the crisis in Haiti by adding Haiti earthquake relief organizations: the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders into their donation program for their toll free number clients. When customers use a Charity800.com toll free or local number, half a cent from each minute of talk time gets donated to the charity selected by the client. Over time, the donations can add up to hundreds of dollars, thus making the potential impact of this program boundless.

 Haiti has recently been hit by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, just off the Haitian capital Port au Prince, which has left the country in shambles with thousands killed and three million lives impacted.

 ”It’s unimaginable what people are going through in Haiti after the recent earthquake. As small business owners and average Americans, all we can do is donate the money to the people who need it the most,” said Daniel Bernal, Co Founder of Charity800.com

 The American Red Cross is the nation’s top emergency response nonprofit organization which helps victims of war and natural disaster. Charity800.com felt the need to add this organization because they are at the forefront of most, if not all, disaster relief efforts worldwide.

 Doctors Without Borders, provide volunteer doctors and medical personnel to over 60 countries. Founded in 1971 Doctors Without Borders is made up of 19 associative organizations.

 Charity800.com is a toll free number provider that donates a portion of their profit for each minute of talk time that customers use. Clients can choose the charity of choice that they want to support. Run by a proactive team that is constantly on the cutting edge of technology and service, Charity800.com is always adding new features to their service.

 Charity800.com is owned and operated by Dynamic Interactive Corp.

 CONTACT:  Stephanie Hill or Daniel Bernal, both of Dynamic Interactive Corp., 1-877-278-0425, [email protected]