UN STAFF RECEIVE GENEROUS $500,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE GRANT BY

UN FOUNDATION TO ENCOURAGE DONATIONS FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS

 

NEW YORK, 14 January (UN Staff Union) -- Staff efforts to raise funds to aid victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami received a major boost with the announcement that the United Nations Foundation has issued a matching challenge grant.  The grant will match on a one-to-one basis any staff contributions, up to $500,000, to the staff relief fund set up in support of the tsunami relief efforts.

Ted Turner, Founder and Chairman of the United Nations Foundation, stepped forward with the offer to match UN staff contributions to the United Nations’ tsunami relief efforts, as part of the Foundation’s $5 million commitment to the tsunami relief effort.   More information on this generous commitment may be found at the Foundation’s web site www.unfoundation.org.

In his communiqué, Mr. Turner thanked the staff of the United Nations for “the incredible work they are doing” and stated that since the “beginning of the crisis the UN has been the leader in providing the relief the victims so desperately need”.

On behalf of the staff of the United Nations, the Staff Committee extended its appreciation to Mr. Turner and the United Nations Foundation for the challenge grant and said it will encourage a greater response by the staff worldwide to help those in need.

In addition to thanking Mr. Turner for this generous grant, the Committee members expressed their gratitude to the staff at the United Nations Foundation and the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships.

The day after the earthquake triggered the devastating tsunami, the Staff Committee responded quickly by establishing the United Nations Staff Relief Committee for Victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami.  Since the start of the year, staff worldwide have responded generously, both individually and collectively, to raise funds to assist those affected by the tsunami.  To date staff have contributed over $82,000 with collections continuing until 31 March 2005.

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