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ALAS
for Peru: Hispanic Artists and the Red Cross support earthquake affected
communities 11 September 2007 Panama City, 7 September 2007 – More than 20 musicians from Latin America and Spain are using their voices to help more than 70,000 families affected by the earthquake which hit south eastern Peru on 15 August. In alliance with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the ALAS Foundation has launched a campaign “Alas for Peru” (“alas” is Spanish for “wings”) with the goal of raising awareness among the international community and mobilizing resources in support of families still in need of assistance in the devastated cities of Chincha, Ica y Pisco. This campaign contributes to the international appeal launched by the International Federation seeking 5.6 million Swiss francs ($4.7 million USD/€3.4 million) to support 37,500 people over the next nine months. This support includes safe water, psychosocial support, shelter, early recovery and the continued delivery of humanitarian aid. Relief items include tents, hygiene kits, blankets, kitchen kits and water containers. All funds collected during the campaign will support the International Federation’s appeal, being heralded as an instrument through which thousands of today’s suffering children may feel the embrace of Latin America and dream of a better future. "Give whatever you want or can; every bit helps. Give for Peru and all her people,” explains Miguel Bose, Founding Member of the ALAS Foundation. This campaign is also supported by telecommunications companies such as América Móvil and Telefónica, which created a mechanism to receive donations via SMS text messages. Participating mobile cell phone operators from América Móvil include: Telcel in México, Claro in Peru and Chile, CTI Móvil in Argentina and Uruguay, and Comcel in Colombia. Telefónica’s Movistar operations in the countries mentioned above, as well as in Spain and Venezuela, are also participating. Joining Miguel Bosé are well-known artists like Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, Carlos Vives, Diego Torres, Thalía, Juanes, Maná, Gustavo Cerati, among others. Each will lend their voices to the campaign, which will reach audiences across the continent through public announcements set to air on major television and radio stations as well as in newspapers granting free air time and space. “This initiative is a brilliant example of joining forces to reach a common goal: to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people, without discrimination and with respect for their dignity,” said José García Lozano, Director of the Zone Office for the Americas of the International Federation. During the first three weeks following the earthquake, the Red Cross assisted some 41,000 people in Ica, Pisco y Chincha. Aid included basic first aid, psychosocial support, and giving out humanitarian assistance including more than 45,000 litres of clean water daily. “From the moment this campaign began, we have seen numerous acts of solidarity. Major telephone companies and the media are giving us valuable support. The artists are essential and the soul of our campaign. A beautiful example of unity from civil society,” expressed Araceli Ruano, Executive Director of ALAS. Juan Luis Guerra, Ricky Martin, Eros Ramazotti, Daniela Mercury and Daddy Yankee will also be part of the initiative that will collect funds through the internet, bank transferences and SMS text messages. The funds raised will go to activities being carried out by the Red Cross in areas that were affected by the earthquake. Wyclef Jean, Jeremías, Diego Uma, Fonseca, Rafael and Omar Alfano have also pledged to join “Alas for Peru”. According to official figures, the earthquake left 519 dead, 1,366 wounded, 71,322 affected families, and damaged or destroyed 100 health centres and over 500 schools. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Fundación ALAS: Tel: +507 302 2526 International Federation of Red Cross Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: Latin America: Susana Arroyo (South America) Susana.arroyo@ifrc.org Tel: +511 221 8151 Manuel Rodríguez Tel: +507 6679 4334 Marie-Louise Belanger (Central America & Mexico) Tel:+507 317 1300. USA: Carol Miller, Tel:. +1 202 345 6163 Spain: Eva Calvo, Tel: +34 91 335 4588 / 60 737 7854 About the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: The International Federation’s mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. The Red Cross Red Crescent is the world’s largest humanitarian organization with millions of volunteers active in 185 countries. About ALAS: ALAS or América Latina en Acción Solidaria (Latin America in Solidary Action). It is a group of united Latin American artists determined to participate in concrete solidarity actions in Latin America. ALAS is the decision to exchange philanthropy for commitment and benefit solidarity. Its goal is to offer millions of Latin American children the opportunity to live in a fairer world in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals. The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 185 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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