Relief4Pakistan

The Situation:

The recent floods caused by torrential monsoon rains have affected as many as 14 million people in Pakistan, more than the combined total of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

On August 11, the Pakistan Disaster Authority stated the current death toll was 1,313 people. However, as the flooding continues, spreading from northwestern Pakistan to the south of the country, landslides and water-borne diseases like cholera and diarrhea are likely to increase that number. According to the World Food Program (WFP), over 2 million people have lost their homes and livelihood, 1.5 million acres of farmland have been destroyed, and countless roads and bridges have been swept away.

According to the United Nations, one fifth of Pakistan has been submerged under water . Villages have been washed away. Families have been displaced from their homes, their livelihoods destroyed. As the suffering of millions continue, a sustained effort by the international community and global citizens is needed to raise public awareness and help rebuild the homes and lives of the flood victims, particularly the 6 million in need of immediate humanitarian aid.

The Relief4Pakistan Campaign:

Relief4Pakistan is a grassroots donation campaign designed in response to the deadly floods in Pakistan and the millions impacted. The campaign is a partnership between Pakistani Peace Builders, a new initiative of Pakistani-Americans and concerned global citizens, and ML Resources Social Vision, a private venture philanthropy dedicated to supporting innovative organizations and initiatives with expected high social returns.

Relief4Pakistan aims to centralize donations toward the emergency first response relief efforts in Pakistan in order to maximize impact. By directing funds to Mercy Corps, you can be part of a large and effective campaign to support relief efforts on the ground and raise much-needed public awareness of the large-scale disaster that is rapidly unfolding.

Why Mercy Corps?

Both Pakistani Peace Builders and ML Social Vision deliberated over which of the numerous organizations that are currently operating in Pakistan (all of whom are doing incredible work) should be the recipient of our efforts. After an enormous amount of thought and due diligence, Mercy Corps was chosen as a vehicle to assist those is need in Pakistan. Our selection was made based on the organization’s transparency, efficiency, and previous efforts in Pakistan.

Currently, there is an urgent need for food, shelter and clean water and Mercy Corps staffers are on the ground in Pakistan working to provide clean water, staple foods and clean-up tools for affected families. Mercy Corps' efforts at this time are concentrated in the Swat Valley and the Sindh Province (where Mercy Corps’ team is assessing the specific needs), two of the most affected areas in this disaster.

Mercy Corps demonstrates both transparency and efficiency in their aid efforts, and is able to respond quickly to emergencies, working with local organizations and communities in Pakistan for a more sustained and strategic impact.

Who is Mercy Corps?

Mercy Corps is a global aid agency that focuses on disaster response, sustainable economic development, health services, and emergency and natural disaster relief. The organization exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities.

Mercy Corps is known and respected for its expertise in responding to global emergencies such as this one, as well as its long-term commitment to Pakistan. It has been working in Pakistan since the Afghan Refugee crisis in 1986 and has played a key role in relief and recovery efforts during both the 2006 earthquake and the 2009 Internally Displaced Person (IDP) crisis.

Mercy Corps has long been recognized as an excellent steward of the resources entrusted to it. Over the last five years, Mercy Corps has used 88 percent of their resources for programs that help people in need. According to their website, “ensuring that resources are wisely spent is the cornerstone of our values, vision, and strategy for growth in the future.”

Relief4Pakistan Impact:

We have set our first fundraising goal at $100,000, with ML Social Vision providing the seed donation of $10,000 to jumpstart the campaign. The donations will go directly to Mercy Corps, and will be earmarked for Pakistan’s flood relief efforts on the ground. The organization will continue to provide updates of their efforts in Pakistan that we will continue to share with our donors.

Whether you donate $5, $25, $500, or more, you can be a part of the Relief4Pakistan campaign and aid the millions affected by the floods in Pakistan. Mercy Corps is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit and your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

How You Can Help:

Help spread the word and be part of the movement – share the Relief4Pakistan link with your friends, family, and colleagues via Facebook, Twitter, email, or word of mouth. Help us reach our first goal of $100,000 by donating and help the millions in need in Pakistan. Click the link on this page to donate generously. Donations can also be made by check, money order, telephone or mail.

Visit us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Relief4Pakistan/151209104894802?ref=ts

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