SALT LAKE CITY – January 3, 2014 – As people around the world are basking in the afterglow of the holiday season and making New Year’s resolutions, many in the Philippines are still struggling to survive in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan.
In a collective call to action, the USANA True Health Foundation has sent an additional $25,000 to International Relief Teams, a nonprofit international humanitarian organization.
This is the third Haiyan-specific donation made from the charitable foundation established by USANA Health Sciences Inc., bringing the total amount to $60,000, they said in a press release.
"Despite extensive efforts by the Philippine government and other relief organizations, there continue to be thousands of people without access to food and clean water. Many wells on outlying islands have been contaminated and reaching small, remote villages with life-saving supplies continues to be a challenge," said Elaine Pace, president of the USANA True Health Foundation. "Working with IRT, we are providing help in an organized, effective manner, focusing on keeping people alive while moving forward with relief."
This most recent donation of $25,000 will serve 15,000 people for one week of survival. This includes clean water, water purification tablets and food.
"After our initial donation of $20,000 when Typhoon Haiyan first hit, we put out a call to action for all our Associates and employees around the world to do what they could to contribute more to the True Health Foundation’s Area of Greatest Need Fund," said Dan Macuga, USANA chief communications officer. "Because of the heartfelt fundraising efforts and generous donations, we have been able to give a lifeline to the Philippine relief effort three times."
According to the Philippine government, Typhoon Haiyan has severely impacted more than 4 million people. As the rebuilding continues, thousands are still struggling with basic necessities.
"Keeping 15,000 people alive for the better part of a month is a beautiful accomplishment, but the situation in many areas is still dire," added Pace. "Please keep our Philippine brothers and sisters in your hearts as you celebrate the new year."
For more information about the USANA True Health Foundation or to find out how you can donate, visit USANAfoundation.org.
