AARP Donates $1 Million To Aid Stricken Gulf Coast Region
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-09-07 12:37:14
Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2005
AARP has announced a program of donations and volunteer activities to assist those throughout the devastated Gulf Coast region.
Donations to Aid Older Adults
AARP and the AARP Foundation together will donate $1 million donation for disaster relief. The Association also will create a dollar-for-dollar match for additional contributions by employees, the all-volunteer Board of Directors and State Executive Councils, up to another $1 million. The matching program will be coordinated by the AARP Foundation.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy. We recognize that, in situations such as this, we must come together as one to serve, to give, to help and to care," said Bill Novelli, AARP's CEO. "AARP will be channeling the much needed monetary aid to local relief agencies serving older adults."
Although AARP had to cancel its National Event and Expo in New Orleans, the Association will offer an opportunity to those who had pre-registered to direct their fees to the disaster relief effort. More than 12,000 people had registered in advance for the event.
Volunteer Opportunities Being Identified
In the wake of the devastating hurricanes in Florida last year, AARP learned first-hand the unique challenges and needs that older people experience following such catastrophic events. As part of our longer term relief efforts, AARP is committed to sending resources to aid those affected by this disaster. We will draw on our local offices and staff and deploy volunteer teams in coming months, after immediate needs have been addressed and conditions are safer.
Opportunities are being explored for teams of AARP employees and volunteers, local AARP chapters and National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) units, to work under the direction of local authorities. They may provide a variety of services, including public benefits and tax services. Assistance to community organizations also will be provided by the Foundation's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) enrollees in impacted areas.
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