CaribPR Wire

Pan American Relief site to be promoted by MTV Networks Latin America

 WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The more than 70 million online Brazilians may donate to Haiti relief efforts using a new Portuguese website called www.AjudaPanamericana.org, the Pan American Development Foundation and the Organization of American States announced.

 AjudaPanamericana.org is the third language option offered by the non-profit PADF as it accepts donations to help Haitian survivors of the 7.0 earthquake.

 ”Since Brazil is the fifth most populous nation in the world and one of the leaders in overall Internet usage, AjudaPanamericana.org is an important channel for relief donations,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director.

 PADF – a non-profit organization that also serves as the OAS’s natural disaster relief arm – has worked in Haiti for 30 years on economic development, protecting human rights and responding to natural disasters. Prior to the quake, PADF had more than 150 people in Haiti.

 MTV Networks Latin America will promote this initiative through its on-air and on-line network.

 In addition to www.AjudaPanamericana.org, donations may be made in English in the United States at (877) 572-4484; online in English at www.PanAmericanRelief.org and in Spanish at www.AyudaPanamericana.org

  About MTV Networks Latin America

 MTV Networks Latin America, Inc., a unit of Viacom Inc., owns and operates MTV Latin America, Nickelodeon Latin America, VH1 Latin America, Viacom Networks Brazil and the MTV Networks Digital Suite, a package of five digital services – MTV Jams, MTV Hits, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mega Hits and Nickelodeon’s GAS (Games and Sports for Kids). 

 MTV Networks Latin America connects with its audiences through interactive properties including its online websites, www.mtvla.com, www.mundonick.com and www.vh1la.com, as well as through its broadband and community sites:  www.mtvrevolution.com and www.lazona.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

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Kaiser Permanente announced today that it has donated $500,000 to four national disaster relief organizations to provide aid to the victims of this week’s earthquake in Haiti.  The nonprofit health care organization has wired the funding to Doctors Without Borders, Relief International, Operation USA and MedShare International, and is providing expertise and support to U.S. disaster response teams.

 ”Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families following the devastating earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday,” said Raymond J. Baxter, Ph.D., senior vice president, Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy, Kaiser Permanente. “Kaiser Permanente has a long history of providing support to communities in need, and will be there for the people of Haiti through the stages of their recovery and rebuilding.”

 The Kaiser Permanente contribution to Haitian relief efforts includes:

• $200,000 to Doctors Without Borders
• $200,000 to Relief International
• $50,000 to Operation USA
• $50,000 to MedShare International

Some Kaiser Permanente physicians and nurses who are trained in disaster relief already have departed for Haiti on behalf of the aid organizations with which they are affiliated.

 Kaiser Permanente has worked closely with these and other relief organizations during previous times of crises including support to Southeast Asia following the tsunami of 2004,  the earthquake in Pakistan in 2005 and the earthquake in Indonesia in 2006.  In addition, for each of the past five years, Kaiser Permanente has supported ongoing recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 through financial contributions and the deployment of teams of volunteers.

 In total, Kaiser Permanente has contributed more than $5 million since 2004 to charitable organizations globally that provide humanitarian aid for disaster relief, recovery and rebuilding.

 Kaiser Permanente will continue to provide further resources to Haiti as needs arise.

 About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.

Opportunity for A GOOD IDEA to Win $1MM In Chase Community Giving Program on Facebook

 January 15 – January 22

 Facebook: http://www.voteagi.org

 SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — A Good Idea, a volunteer organization which is a vehicle for positive social change ideas in San Francisco, plans to give $100,000 to Haiti earthquake victims if the organization is selected as the winner of the Chase Community Giving contest sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 “While A Good Idea focuses on homelessness within the Bay Area, we feel that it is of the utmost importance to contribute to the people of Haiti,” said Jared Paul, Founder and Executive Director of A Good Idea.

 A Good Idea was among 100 small charities out of 500,000 eligible nationwide to garner enough Facebook votes to receive a $25,000 grant as part of the Chase contest. Entering the second round of voting on Friday, January 15, A Good Idea will give $100,000 of their winnings if they are able to earn enough Facebook votes to propel them to the top spot in the contest.

 “We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in Haiti,” said Paul. “By connecting people in need with people that want to help, our organization has the ability to offer courage and support.”

 In two years, A Good Idea has built a strong following of volunteers and produced a string of impactful community service events in the San Francisco Bay Area. The group recently attracted national attention for its 24 Hours of Service Event, which included distribution of goods to the homeless and other civil outlets. Gaining nationwide notoriety for their work, A Good Idea was awarded the “Acts of Kindness” award from the American Red Cross and has been recognized by Mayor Gavin Newsom and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

 About A Good Idea

A Good Idea, a San Francisco-based nonprofit 501(c)(3), is a vehicle for positive social change ideas that connect people in need with people who want to help. A Good Idea will be bringing a fully accredited residential high school for homeless teens to San Francisco called Hope Academy of Arts & Sciences (HAAS). To learn more please visit www.agoodideasf.org.

 For more information about the Chase Community Giving Campaign, please visit http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/

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.

Adds Haiti To Optimum Voice Included Calling Area To Facilitate Contact Between Customers And Those Impacted By Devastating Earthquake

 BETHPAGE, N.Y., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) today announced that the unlimited calling area available to Optimum Voice phone customers was being temporarily extended to include calls to landlines and mobile phones in Haiti, in light of this week’s devastating earthquake.

 ”We know we have customers who are trying to reach family and friends in Haiti, and want to do everything we can to help facilitate these connections,” said John Trierweiler, Cablevision’s senior vice president of product management.  “We also know that many are experiencing difficulty placing and completing these calls, frequently with long delays, and do not want our customers to be concerned with fees or per-minute charges while they are trying to reach loved ones in this difficult time.”

Calls to Haiti will continue to be free until further notice, the company said.

 About Cablevision

Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is one of the nation’s leading media and entertainment companies. Its cable television operations serve more than 3 million households in the New York metropolitan area. The company’s advanced telecommunications offerings include its iO TV® digital television, Optimum Online® high-speed Internet, Optimum Voice® digital voice-over-cable, and its Optimum Lightpath integrated business communications services. Cablevision operates several successful programming businesses, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv, through Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, and serves the New York area as publisher of Newsday and other niche publications through Newsday Media Group. In addition to these businesses, Cablevision owns Madison Square Garden and its sports teams, the New York Knicks, Rangers and Liberty. The company also operates New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, and the Chicago Theatre, and owns and operates Clearview Cinemas.

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — As Haiti recovers from the devastating January 12th earthquake, the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) expresses its concern for residents and relief workers alike. 

 According to AMCA Technical Advisor and Retired U.S. Navy Medical Entomologist Joseph M. Conlon, the region will face both immediate challenges and long-term repercussions:

• Damages caused by the earthquake have created ideal habitat for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
• At present, flies will prove to be an issue for rescue workers in the area, possibly hampering relief efforts.
• In the coming weeks, the traumatized population and rescue workers will feel the impact of increased mosquito activity, as temporary shelters provide little protection from the insects.
• Eventual concerns, which are more challenging to predict, include the spread of mosquito-borne diseases – in particular, malaria and dengue fever.

 Joe Conlon is available to comment on these issues, and is initiating an effort with AMCA to monitor the mosquito crisis.  He will initiate a response with AMCA members and partners based on the feedback from relief workers in Haiti.

 About AMCA

Celebrating 75 years of protecting public health in 2010, the American Mosquito Control Association is an international not-for-profit public service association.  With 1,600 members worldwide, AMCA services are provided mainly to public agencies and their principal staff members engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.  The membership extends to more than 50 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.  Please visit AMCA online at www.mosquito.org.

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. 

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Two-Hour Special from Los Angeles, New York and Haiti to Air Friday, January 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT

 Donations to Directly Benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Yele Haiti Foundation

 Facebook and MySpace Join as Social Media Partners

 NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, MTV Networks is presenting “Hope for Haiti,” a global telethon to air commercial-free across ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, and CMT on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and 7:00 p.m. CT.  “Hope for Haiti” will also be made available to MTV Networks International, CNN International and National Geographic channels worldwide.

Leading the charge for “Hope for Haiti” will be George Clooney in Los Angeles, Wyclef Jean in New York City and CNN’s Anderson Cooper from Haiti. The two-hour telethon will be broadcast from New York City and Los Angeles, and will feature musical performances and celebrity appearances to be announced prior to the event, as well as live news reports from CNN.  “Hope for Haiti” will be produced by Joel Gallen, Tenth Planet Productions, in collaboration with MTV Networks and George Clooney. 

 All proceeds will be split evenly among five relief organizations currently operating in Haiti: Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF and Yele Haiti Foundation (www.yele.org/text to give at 501501).  Facebook and MySpace have also signed on as official social media partners to help drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.

 About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products.  The company’s portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 400 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., TeenNick, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, SPIKE, TV Land, Atom, GameTrailers and Xfire.

QUINCY, Mass., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company today announced that along with its sister supermarkets it will donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. Additionally, beginning on Saturday, January, 16th and continuing through January 31st, it will be collecting donations in all stores and corporate offices for the Victims of the Haiti earthquake on behalf of the American Red Cross International Response Fund.

 In a joint statement issued by Ron Onorato, Division President of Stop & Shop Metro New York, and Mark McGowan, Division President Stop & Shop New England, the company stated, “Due to the extent of the catastrophe, we feel we must do as much as we can to help with the relief efforts by giving our associates and customers an easy way to contribute to the earthquake victims. Our friends, neighbors and customers have been impacted by this disaster.  Stop & Shop hopes that all of our customers and associates will support this vital fund raising effort. Together we can make a difference.”

 About Stop & Shop

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company employs more than 59,000 associates and operates stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company is a member of the US Green Building Council and has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores.  Stop & Shop has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores and is also a member of the EPA’s Smart Way program.

Global travel insurance leader rushing to assist hundreds of customers in the quake zone

 RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — In the best of times, getting things done in a country like Haiti can be a challenge. In the aftermath of the worst earthquake in that country in the last 200 years, Mondial Assistance, the world’s leading provider of travel insurance and global medical assistance, has been working 24/7 to identify customers in the quake zone who may need assistance. So far the company has identified hundreds of customers from the 28 countries where it has operation centers, including around 300 from the United States and others from France, Canada and the Netherlands.

 ”Disasters like the earthquake in Haiti present special challenges. Electricity is out. Phones are out. Hospitals have been damaged. We have to send in personnel to look for our customers,” said Jon Ansell, president and CEO of the company’s US operation. Several people from the company are en route to Haiti to begin assisting our customers with everything from medical assistance and evacuations to relaying messages to family back home.

 Mondial Assistance also has correspondents in Haiti as well as the Dominican Republic and Martinique who are assisting customers in the region. “Our global provider network is unmatched in our industry and makes all the difference in situations like these,” said Ansell.

 Mondial Assistance encourages the families of its customers to call their US call center for assistance in locating their loved ones.  Company representatives can be reached at 866-456-3107 (or 804-673-5473 if calling collect) anytime day or night.

 About Mondial Assistance

Mondial Assistance is a global leader in specialty insurance and emergency assistance services. Four percent of the world’s population, or about 250 million people, are served by Mondial Assistance businesses around the globe. In the United States, Mondial Assistance is a brand name of World Access Service Corp., which is best known for its Access America® brand of travel insurance and assistance services. As one of 28 business units, the U.S. operation serves major travel suppliers, health insurers, credit card, and entertainment companies with insurance products, international travel assistance, and concierge services. Mondial Assistance is part of the Allianz group of companies. For more information please visit: www.mondialUSA.com.

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.

Children’s Clothing Company Donates Shoes To Those Affected By The Devastating Earthquake

 PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — In an attempt to lend support and aid to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Olive Juice is putting their right foot forward and donating over 200 pairs of unworn shoes to the non-profit Soles4Souls, which is committed to providing 100,000 pairs of shoes to those affected by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake.

In partnering and working with other organizations, like Olive Juice, Soles4Souls is sending emergency aid, including but not limited to: footwear, food, medical supplies, bottled water, blankets, baby products, and more. Olive Juice has been a long time contributor and supporter of Soles4Souls and could not let this natural disaster, which has affected as many as 500,000 people, go by without doing something about it.

“In times such as this it is imperative that we act as selfless as possible to help those who truly need it,” said Olive Juice Founder and CEO Maryellen Kane. “The Haitian people are going through turmoil that we cannot even begin to imagine, and making this donation to Soles4Souls is the least we could do. Soles4Souls is an outstanding organization and we fully support their efforts to lend aid in this time of tragedy.”

 ”We are deeply saddened by the tragedy unfolding in Haiti,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “This is going to require a sustained humanitarian effort from all of us who can give, and Soles4Souls will be here to do our part with the gift of shoes to aid in the rescue and rebuilding process.”

 In addition to the shoe donation, Olive Juice is also donating several hundred new pieces of their quality children’s apparel. For more information on how to get involved and donate to the Haitian relief please visit www.giveshoes.org. For more information on Olive Juice please visit www.olivejuicekids.com.

 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 Olive Juice

Olive Juice was founded in 2003 by Maryellen Kane based on the belief that parents should have the opportunity to choose from a quality brand of clothing for their children. Since then, the children’s apparel company has been dedicated to producing classic and timeless children’s wear reminiscent of the days of yesteryear. Their distinctive and beautifully designed items are made to capture the curiosity and wonderment of childhood by allowing children to enjoy their age in comfort and sophisticated style. Olive Juice continues to innovate and create apparel that is inspired by childhood imagination and the marvelous nature of youth. For more information on Olive Juice please visit, www.OliveJuiceKids.com.

HOUSTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced steps to assist in the Haiti earthquake recovery effort.

 Members of Continental’s OnePass frequent flyer program are now eligible to donate miles, in the amount of their choosing, to two major charitable organizations involved in the Haiti relief effort.  OnePass miles may be donated to The American Red Cross and AmeriCares.  To make a donation, OnePass members should visit continental.com and see Donate Your Miles.

 Continental also is waiving change fees and additional fare collections for certain tickets to the Dominican Republic, adjacent to Haiti.  The policy is available on the Important Notices section of continental.com

 Continental is remaining in contact with various U.S. government agencies regarding their transportation needs.  The airline will announce its participation in governmentally-sponsored official relief activities as they occur.

 Continental does not fly to Haiti but does serve three cities in the neighboring country of the Dominican Republic – Santo Domingo, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.  Today’s flights to Santo Domingo are full with travelers including relief workers.   In the vanguard on Wednesday was a search-and-rescue team with four dogs which traveled on Continental from Spain to Santo Domingo via Newark/New York.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Reynolds American Inc. (NYSE: RAI) has announced the following: “Reynolds American Foundation donates $100,000 for Haiti earthquake relief.”

 Go to RAI’s Web site, www.ReynoldsAmerican.com, to read the full release.

 Web Disclosure

 RAI’s Web site, www.ReynoldsAmerican.com, is now the primary source of publicly disclosed news about RAI and its operating companies.  We use the Web site as our primary means of distributing quarterly earnings and other company news.  We encourage investors and others to register at www.ReynoldsAmerican.com to receive alerts when news about the company has been posted.

Company establishes matching relief fund through Henry Schein Cares Foundation

 MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), the largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, medical and animal health practitioners, and its supplier partners have earmarked $1 million in life-saving medical supplies to partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are providing relief.

 Within hours of the reports of the earthquake, pallets of much needed supplies were prepared for shipment to partner NGOs, including AmeriCares, Direct Relief International, Heart to Heart International, International Medical Corps, LDS Charities and Medshare through Henry Schein Cares, the Company’s global social responsibility program.  As part of Henry Schein Cares disaster preparedness efforts, the Company already had pallets of essential supplies packed and on site at the warehouses of several partner NGOs to ensure immediate response to humanitarian emergencies.  These products are already on their way to Haiti. 

 ”As Haitian officials continue to assess the damage caused by this tragic earthquake, Henry Schein Cares is working closely with our partner NGOs to seek opportunities to support humanitarian relief efforts,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Henry Schein.  “We stand ready to do our part to support our NGO partners and are committed to quickly getting these essential medical relief supplies on the ground to those who need them.” 

In the past, Henry Schein Cares has responded to other disasters including the cyclone in Myanmar and earthquake in China in 2008, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the U.S. Gulf Coast; the 2004 Asian tsunami; the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan; the conflict in Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine; and September 11.

To enable Team Schein Members and others outside of the Company to support relief efforts in a coordinated way, the Company also has established a Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund through the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.  Henry Schein will match all donations contributed to this fund by Team Schein Members, and the proceeds will be applied directly and completely to relief efforts.  Anyone wishing to contribute to this fund should make the check payable to “Henry Schein Cares Foundation” with “Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund” noted in the memo of the check, and send it to Dewi Wijaya at Henry Schein, Inc., 135 Duryea Road, Melville, NY  11747.  Donations to the Henry Schein Cares Foundation are tax deductible in the United States.

 About Henry Schein

Henry Schein, a Fortune 500® company and a member of the NASDAQ 100® Index, is recognized for its excellent customer service and highly competitive prices.  The Company’s four business groups – Dental, Medical, International and Technology – serve more than 590,000 customers worldwide, including dental practitioners and laboratories, physician practices and animal health clinics, as well as government and other institutions.  The Company operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, which provides customers in more than 200 countries with a comprehensive selection of more than 90,000 national and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 100,000 additional products available as special-order items.  Henry Schein also provides exclusive, innovative technology offerings for dental, medical and veterinary professionals, including value-added practice management software and electronic health record solutions.

Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein employs more than 13,500 people and has operations or affiliates in 23 countries.  The Company’s net sales reached a record $6.4 billion in 2008.  Henry Schein has been ranked first in its industry for social responsibility for five consecutive years in Fortune’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.  For more information, visit the Henry Schein Web site at www.henryschein.com.

Urges donors to call (877) 572-4484 to support relief effort

 WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Jimmy Jean-Louis, who plays the “Haitian” on NBC’s hit series “Heroes,” is leading a public awareness campaign to raise money for the survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the Pan American Development Foundation and the Organization of American States announced.

 ”Haitians are desperate for help, and I am glad to collaborate with PADF on its national campaign to raise relief money,” says Jimmy Jean-Louis, who will appear in television public service announcements, print ads and online.

 He is asking people to donate to PADF’s secure website: www.PanAmericanRelief.org Donations are also accepted by a toll-free number: (877) 572-4484. PADF responds to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean.

 Fortunately, Jimmy Jean-Louis found out today that his parents in the Haitian capital are safe but their home was destroyed by the earthquake. Unfortunately, other family members died in the collapse.

 Jimmy is making plans to return to Haiti. PADF will provide him with a satellite telephone so he can maintain contact and provide first-hand reports on the situation on the ground.

 ”Jimmy’s kind heart and dedication to his countrymen are outstanding and we are proud to work with him on this national campaign,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director.

 PADF – the natural disaster relief arm of the OAS – has more than 150 people in Haiti working on economic development, human rights and disaster relief. PADF’s office in the Dominican Republic will be the staging area for all its shipments to the island. It is sending emergency relief supplies including food, tools, telecommunications equipment and other immediate relief supplies.

 ”PADF is working with civil protection authorities, the private sector and community organizations to provide immediate and long-term assistance,” Sanbrailo says.

 As part of its response effort, PADF is coordinating with other Inter-American partners including the OAS, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture.

 At the same time, the non-profit organization is also working with major corporations to coordinate their response. In other recent natural disasters, PADF worked with DIAGEO, Chevron, Royal Caribbean International Ltd., Citi and Federal Express.

 About PADF

PADF has more than 150 people throughout Haiti working on a number of projects, including community driven development, disaster mitigation and protecting human rights.

 PADF is an independent, non-profit organization that creates public-private partnerships to assist the least advantaged people in Latin America and the Caribbean.

 Through these partnerships and as a unique affiliate of the Organization of American States, PADF creates economic opportunities, strengthens communities and prepares for and responds to natural disasters.

 Having worked in every country in the region, PADF engages community-based groups, governments and the private sector in the process of implementing appropriate solutions for sustainable development.

 In the past year, more than 5 million people in 18 countries benefited from PADF and its programs. www.padf.org

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.

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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.

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