Disaster Relief Fund

[Guest]

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[wind5001]

Well, Colette,

it seems the disaster we all have NOT been waiting for has arrived: I am shocked by the news from central Africa. Quite some of the Kiva countries are affected, most severely Uganda, but also Ghana and Senegal, Togo, Nigeria and Kenya.

My heart reaches out to the hundreds of thousands of affected.

Check out the BBC from today.

Oli

[Henry]

put these two maps up side by side in different windows . 

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=100711882547735821652.00043780c969ecc69e993&ll=-2.108899,23.027344&spn=86.355592,125.507812&z=3&om=1

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7002640.stm#anchor

[cpbailey]

Oli and Henry,

I agree that parts of Africa can be considered disaster areas.  Current areas considered are:

1.   Peru from the earthquake
2.   Mexico from Hurricane Dean (selected areas of Mexico, including Yucatan)
3.   Haiti from Hurricane Dean
4.   Dominican Republic from Hurricane Dean
5.   Countries affected by Hurricane Felix--Honduras and Nicaragua
6.   Parts of Africa--see maps by Henry.  Note that partner ideally is a 4 or 5 star, and mustn't be lower than 3 stars.  A good payment record and longevity should be considered. 

The fund allows individuals to select the first loan location.  All current donations are allocated to specific areas.  If your heart strings are pulled by a disaster or a part of the world, your donation can be designated as above. 

Colette

[cpbailey]

The Disaster Relief Fund has made its first loan to a tailor in Honduras. 

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=19113

Colette

[cpbailey]

And a second loan here

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=18859

Colette

[wind5001]

Congrats, Colette,

I commend the Disaster Relief Fund for beginning its activities!

Oli