The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Donates $3 Million to Relief Efforts for Victims of the Tsunami
December 30, 2004
AUSTIN, TX - The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation today announced an initial $3 million pledge to the relief efforts from the tsunami in southern Asia. The pledge serves to support the victims of the devastation and encourage others to give to the relief efforts.
Currently, the death total is estimated at more than 117,000, with UNICEF reporting that approximately one-third of those fatalities are children. With continual increases in fatality reports, the impact on the families and children in the region is enormous and continues to grow.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tsunami as many of them struggle for survival,” said Susan Dell, co-founder of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “We hope that the collective contributions from around the world will give the people of South Asia the hope and support they need to rebuild their lives in the new year.”
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated five million people around the tsunami-struck region do not have access to the basics they need to stay alive, such as clean water, shelter, food, sanitation and health care. With the total cost of damages estimated at more than $13 billion, additional and ongoing worldwide support will be required for the relief and rebuilding efforts.
“We in the United States understand firsthand what it means to receive support from across the globe in times of crisis. Now it is our turn to show the people of South Asia how much we care for their survival and well-being,” said Michael Dell. “We encourage people in our country and everywhere to find in their hearts to give generously to these people and the relief efforts.”
Among the organizations already involved in the relief effort with teams on the ground for immediate relief and plans for long-term rehabilitation include:
Save the Children - www.savethechildren.org - 1-800-SAVETHECHILDREN
Mercy Corps. - www.mercycorps.org - 1-888-256-1900
American Red Cross - www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html - 1-800-HELP-NOW
CARE - www.care.org - 1-800-521-CARE ext. 999
International Medical Corps. - www.imcworldwide.org - 1-800-481-4462
The Foundation’s pledge is also consistent with its mission to positively impact the lives of children around the world. The Foundation recently announced a $1 million grant to WaterPartners International to provide clean water to developing countries, ensuring that an additional 200,000 children and adults in India have ready access to safe drinking water over the next decade.
About the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Based in Austin, Texas, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation was established in 1999 by the Dell family to help underserved children achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. The Foundation funds programs in communities around the world that foster active minds, healthy bodies and a safe environment where children can thrive. With an endowment of more than $1 billion, the Foundation has committed more than $125 million to children’s and community initiatives to date.
Please click here to visit the section of our Web site that includes detailed information regarding several organizations to which the Foundation has made grants, including specifics on their current efforts, grant proposals, and progress reports.
December 30, 2004
AUSTIN, TX - The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation today announced an initial $3 million pledge to the relief efforts from the tsunami in southern Asia. The pledge serves to support the victims of the devastation and encourage others to give to the relief efforts.
Currently, the death total is estimated at more than 117,000, with UNICEF reporting that approximately one-third of those fatalities are children. With continual increases in fatality reports, the impact on the families and children in the region is enormous and continues to grow.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tsunami as many of them struggle for survival,” said Susan Dell, co-founder of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “We hope that the collective contributions from around the world will give the people of South Asia the hope and support they need to rebuild their lives in the new year.”
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated five million people around the tsunami-struck region do not have access to the basics they need to stay alive, such as clean water, shelter, food, sanitation and health care. With the total cost of damages estimated at more than $13 billion, additional and ongoing worldwide support will be required for the relief and rebuilding efforts.
“We in the United States understand firsthand what it means to receive support from across the globe in times of crisis. Now it is our turn to show the people of South Asia how much we care for their survival and well-being,” said Michael Dell. “We encourage people in our country and everywhere to find in their hearts to give generously to these people and the relief efforts.”
Among the organizations already involved in the relief effort with teams on the ground for immediate relief and plans for long-term rehabilitation include:
Save the Children - www.savethechildren.org - 1-800-SAVETHECHILDREN
Mercy Corps. - www.mercycorps.org - 1-888-256-1900
American Red Cross - www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html - 1-800-HELP-NOW
CARE - www.care.org - 1-800-521-CARE ext. 999
International Medical Corps. - www.imcworldwide.org - 1-800-481-4462
The Foundation’s pledge is also consistent with its mission to positively impact the lives of children around the world. The Foundation recently announced a $1 million grant to WaterPartners International to provide clean water to developing countries, ensuring that an additional 200,000 children and adults in India have ready access to safe drinking water over the next decade.
About the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Based in Austin, Texas, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation was established in 1999 by the Dell family to help underserved children achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. The Foundation funds programs in communities around the world that foster active minds, healthy bodies and a safe environment where children can thrive. With an endowment of more than $1 billion, the Foundation has committed more than $125 million to children’s and community initiatives to date.
Please click here to visit the section of our Web site that includes detailed information regarding several organizations to which the Foundation has made grants, including specifics on their current efforts, grant proposals, and progress reports.