/24-7PressRelease/ - COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, August 30, 2007 - Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com) has created the Peru Earthquake Response Fund (http://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/peru-earthquake.htm) so sponsors and donors can contribute to victims of last week's 8.0-magnitude quake.
More than 500 people died as a result of the disaster Aug. 15. Although no Compassion-assisted children have been reported dead, a number are still missing.
"Our greatest priority at this time is reaching the most vulnerable victims and meeting their immediate needs," said Cristina Zavala, Compassion Peru Country Director. "Compassion is committed to providing the best care and aid possible to those who have suffered and lost so much due to this tragic event."
At least 12 of Compassion's church-based children's projects -- out of more than 200 in Peru -- were affected by the disaster. Nine of those projects are located in the hardest-hit regions of Ica, San Andres, Chincha, San Clemente and Pisco.
More than 1,400 Compassion-assisted families have been affected by the quake in some way, such as losing their homes, livestock or other property. The organization will help to rebuild the homes of Compassion-assisted children.
Compassion also is providing food, clean water, temporary shelter and medical care to victims. The organization has enlisted the help of many volunteers, including pastors and church workers, to assist the affected families. Compassion was among the first international organizations to offer help to victims, because its programs are church-based and pastors and church workers were already on the scene.
Compassion's staff in Peru is working around the clock, and it is appealing to sponsors and donors to support its efforts in helping the victims. Donations can be made online at http://www.Compassion.com. Checks can be mailed to Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997.
About Compassion International
Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm) is one of the world's largest Christian child-development organizations, working with more than 65 denominations and nearly 4,000 indigenous church partners in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Since 1952, Compassion has touched the lives of more than 1.6 million children and has been recognized for its financial integrity with top ratings and recommendations by several of the nation's leading not-for-profit "watchdog" organizations.
For more information, call (800) 336-7676, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT.
NOTE: To request an interview, please contact Steve Yount of A. Larry Ross Communications at 972-267-1111.
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