NEW YORK, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Embassy of Ecuador together with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF today announced a fundraising partnership to support the children affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck the country on Saturday, April 16. 

More than 655 people lost their lives in the Pacific coast of Ecuador as a result of the earthquake– a number which is likely to rise given that over 8,000 people were wounded. Hundreds are still missing and more than 29,000 people are in shelters. Of those affected, more than 250,000 are children who are in need of urgent assistance. Several UNICEF teams are in the hardest hit areas of Ecuador, assessing children’s needs and coordinating the response. An appeal of $23M was launched by UNICEF and humanitarian partners last week to support relief and recovery efforts.

“The Embassy of Ecuador encourages those who wish to help those affected to donate funds through UNICEF. We are longtime partners and are confident that they are best poised to deliver assistance – including urgently needed supplies, clean water and sanitation support to prevent the spread of disease, education and psychosocial assistance to help children cope with the trauma they have faced,” said His Excellency Francisco Borja Cevallos, Ambassador of Ecuador.

“For more than 40 years, UNICEF has partnered with the Government of Ecuador to provide healthcare, access to education and protection for children.  In this time of catastrophic need, we are working around the clock in partnership with the Embassy and Consulates to raise critically needed funds for the children of Ecuador,” said Caryl M. Stern, President & CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

The Embassy of Ecuador and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF are encouraging those who wish to help to make monetary donations. UNICEF has an extensive infrastructure in place for procuring and distributing materials in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide. Donated goods must be screened, sorted, stored, transported and delivered, resulting in higher associated costs and delays in reaching those who need relief and supplies most. By prepositioning supplies and purchasing from regional or local sources, UNICEF eliminates expensive transportation costs, funding which can help purchase more supplies rather than being spent on shipping.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF will provide donors and the Embassy with accountability for donations, and receipts for tax purposes.

How to help:
For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to UNICEF’s relief efforts, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:
Website: www.unicefusa.org/ecuador (English) or www.unicefusa.org/apoyeecuador (Spanish)
Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS
Text: Text “Relief” to 864233 (UNICEF) to make a $10 donation
Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10038

Find us on Twitter: @unicefusa; join us on Facebook: UNICEF-USA

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

Summit Explores Stewardship in Protecting and Preserving Natural Resources

GRAND CANYON, Arizona, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This weekend over 40 Latino faith leaders from Arizona joined together to discuss the importance of protecting the Colorado River and how the Latino community can help lead the charge for its conservation. Following the meeting, the faith leaders also toured the Grand Canyon and explored how the protection of our national parks is crucial to our diverse cultural heritage.

“The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the southwest – its water sustains over 35 million people, including one-third of the nation’s Latinos, and endangered fish and wildlife in seven states,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “The Colorado River is an integral part of our heritage and way of life, and by taking action now we can make strides in ensuring that future generation can continue to benefit from this tremendous resource. These faith leaders embrace this and want to make a difference.”

Held by Por La Creación Faith-based Alliance, a Hispanic Access Foundation initiative that unites Latino faith leaders in an effort to develop stewards of God’s creation, the summit provided the opportunity for the attendees to learn more about the federal and local roles in the effort and how their local communities could get involved. Speakers included U.S. Department of Interior Deputy Secretary Michael Connor, Assemblies of God Central District Superintendent Dennis Rivera and American Rivers Communications Director Sinjin Eberle.

“The sustainability of the Colorado River depends upon multiple and diverse communities and stakeholders who live within its seven state region in the United States and in Mexico,” says Department of the Interior Deputy Secretary Michael Connor, who addressed the faith leaders. “It is critically important for everyone to share in collaborative efforts to ensure the Colorado continues as the lifeblood for future generations.”

WaterSMART is the Department of the Interior’s sustainable water initiative that uses the best available science to improve water conservation and help water resource managers identify and implement strategies to narrow the gap between supply and demand. Since its establishment in 2010, WaterSMART (‘Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow’) has provided about $250 million in competitively-awarded funding to non-federal partners, including tribes, water districts, municipalities and universities. These investments have conserved enough water to meet the annual needs of more than 3.8 million people. Each acre-foot of conserved water delivered means that an equal amount of existing supply is available for other uses.

“Latinos have an important voice in the protection of our public lands and waters. We have a moral responsibility to future generations to protect God’s creation — preserving the mountains, rivers, deserts and other breathtaking landscapes of our nation,” said Rivera. “Protecting the Colorado River is crucial not only to the majority of local economies in the area, but also to the spiritual well-being of our community.”

About Hispanic Access Foundation
Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that improves the lives of Hispanics in the United States and promotes civic engagement by educating, motivating and helping them access trustworthy support systems. Our vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America. For more information, visit www.hispanicaccess.org.

About Por La Creación Faith Based Alliance:
Por la Creación Faith-based Alliance’s mission is to develop stewards of God’s creation by educating and engaging this generation to leave a legacy for the future. The group seeks to educate Latinos and to encourage active engagement in supporting the nation’s public lands and protecting our natural resources.

Contact: Robert Fanger
P: 317-410-7668
E: [email protected]