AARP Foundation Establishes Relief Fund for Victims of Typhoon Haiyan

AARP Foundation will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000.

AARP Foundation issued the following statement on Tuesday, Nov. 12, about relief efforts to help the millions of people affected by the powerful typhoon that devastated the Philippines and Southeast Asia on Nov. 8:

AARP Foundation today announced it has established a relief fund to support victims devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Yolanda) one of the largest and strongest storms to make landfall in recorded history.  AARP and its members are committed to helping those in need; so to support these emergency relief efforts AARP and AARP Foundation will match dollar-for-dollar contributions up to $500,000, which could mean up to $1,000,000 in aid. The matching program will be administered through AARP Foundation.

According to news reports, Typhoon Haiyan has left thousands of people dead and hundreds of thousands homeless.  One of the first areas to be hit by the typhoon was the Philippines – this nation is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and has an estimated 1.3 million people aged 50 and older who could be affected.  Many survivors of the typhoon are now struggling to find food and shelter in the sea of debris that used to be their homes and neighborhoods.

“The devastation in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia is immeasurable and we know AARP members want to help,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation President.  “AARP Foundation’s efforts around typhoon relief offer AARP members and others who are concerned, a way to contribute quickly and securely.  Through our secure web site those who choose to give can do so with the confidence that their tax-deductible donations will go directly to those in need.”

In response to the disaster, AARP Foundation will work with relief organizations such as HelpAge, CARE and other groups to provide aid to the victims in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.  Moreover, 100 percent of all funds raised will go to organizations helping the victims of this typhoon.

Ryerson continued, “Through the contributions raised, we will be fueling the work of organizations that have experience addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, particularly in times of tragedy.”

An immediate response to this urgent appeal will allow AARP Foundation to expedite support to those who need it now.  Donate now to the relief efforts.

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people, strengthen communities, work more efficiently and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated charity. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.