Mercy Ships Presented $93,000 gift for Haiti Recovery Effort

Mercy Ships was presented a $93,000 gift today for their ongoing recovery efforts in Haiti by The Million Dollar Round Table Foundation.  

On January 12, an earthquake registering at a 7.0 magnitude destroyed the skeletal infrastructure that already existed in Haiti- the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere; killing more than 200,000 people and leaving 300,000 people injured with 2 million homeless.  

In response to this devastating disaster, MDRT established the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund, which raised $93,007.51.  This was matched dollar for dollar by the MDRT Foundation, for a total of $ 186,015.02.  All funds were awarded to Mercy Ships and Heifer International, both of which have been on the ground assisting with current and long-term relief efforts.

“The hope and healing that Mercy Ships provides stands as a true symbol of love in action” says Sally Munford, President of the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation (MDRT). “Mercy Ships continues to have teams in motion in Haiti on a regular basis to provide medical care and help rebuild the medical infrastructure of the country.”

Currently over 1400 individuals have signed up to volunteer in the on-going Mercy Ships Relief effort.  Mercy Teams have sent several specialized medical teams and technical teams. Numerous teams stand ready and are scheduled to go to Haiti the rest of the year and beyond.  Mercy Ships has donated medical and orthopedic supplies, water filters and even power generating equipment.  Mercy Ships will continue providing assistance to in-country partners through specialized medical teams and personnel, as well as ongoing supplies for rebuilding efforts.  “We must understand that relief for Haiti can be compared to a marathon, not a sprint.  We are committed to helping rebuild the medical infrastructure of this country and also establishing programs that will increase capacity for many years to come.” comments Mercy Ships CEO, Sam Smith.

MDRT is an international, independent association of the world's best life insurance and financial services professionals. The MDRT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Million Dollar Round Table. The foundation was established over 50 years ago as a way for MDRT members to give back to the communities where they live and work.  “We are pleased to have awarded over 26 million dollars since our inception,” remarked Ms. Munford.

The MDRT Board of Trustees selected two organizations to be the recipients of the contributions raised through their relief fund.  The organizations were chosen because of the remarkable work they are doing in Haiti to serve the needs of those impacted by the devastating earthquake.
 
 About MDRT and the MDRT Foundation

The MDRT Foundation was created in 1959 to provide MDRT members with a means to give back to their communities. Since its inception, the MDRT Foundation has donated more than $26 million to charitable organizations serving people in 67 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Starting in 2003, thanks to the Million Dollar Promise Appeal, the MDRT Foundation has awarded at least $1 million in grants a year. The majority of these funds were raised by MDRT members from MDRT members. The mission of the MDRT Foundation is to increase member and industry participation and to give funds to worthwhile charitable organizations throughout the world. www.mdrtfoundation.org.
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ABOUT MERCY SHIPS: Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services to those without access in the developing world.  Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $808 million, impacting more than 2.5 million direct beneficiaries. Each year Mercy Ships has over 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations.  Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort.  Mercy Ships seeks to become the face of love in action, bringing hope and healing to the poor.

Contact Information
US Public Relations
Kathy.gohmert@mercyships.org
903.939.7019