Dear Friends of Nicaragua,
 
Thank you for the outpouring inquiries and support in the wake of Hurricane Felix.  While most of the country was spared damage, the north east coastline was ravaged when the Cat 5 storm came ashore.  Below is a letter from the Managua-Tiscapa Rotary Club about the effects and how you might help.  If you are so moved, you can make a US Tax deductible contribution through the Pittsburgh Rotary district or the local Managua Tiscapa Rotary Club.  Information is provided at the end of the letter.
 
The effects of this hurricane will have a long term impact in the area. I hope that many of you will decide to make a difference.
 
Thanks,
 
Mike Cobb,
CEO Gran Pacifica / Rotary Club Member

Dear Friends,

Imagine losing all your belongings, being left without power, watching the roof of your home blow away like a piece of paper.  Imagine not knowing if your family is safe, having nowhere to go, no water to drink.  Imagine all of this and then realize: this is the reality on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua.

The Nicaraguan government is estimating that doing necessary repairs will cost $30 million.  That is a lot of money, especially in a place where the average daily income of residents is as little as a few dollars a day.  For this reason, every little bit given becomes that much more crucial in helping these people attempt to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of such horrific devastation. 

Photos: La Prensa and El Nuevo Diario

Hurricane Felix has dealt the people of the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) a devastating blow.  On September 4th, the population of the Caribbean side of Nicaragua felt the force of a class five hurricane for the first time, and was left with massive destruction of homes and communities.  90% of the houses in Puerto Cabezas were left without roofs, the pier sustained damages on 80% of its structure, and several electrical poles were blown over by Felix's force.  As a result, the whole area has been left without electrical power.

As of this time, there are at least 38,788 affected people, 200+ people have died, including several fishermen who washed ashore in Honduras, 70 are missing, and 5,000 houses have been destroyed.  Humanitarian aid is crucial at this time for the towns in the RAAN (North Atlantic Region), as well as basic supplies, and materials to do mass reconstructing of homes that is necessary in  the area. 

32 communities that have been affected on the Caribbean side of Nicaragua, 9,852 people in temporary shelters in Puerto Cabezas, 2,215 in Waspam, and 3 shelters with 1,300 people in Bonanza. Some of the supplies in great demand include water, medical supplies, food, zinc (for roofs), and clothing to help these people get through this most difficult time.

It has never been easier to help causes like this, even if one is far away.  To donate money directly, you can simply deposit your donation to Rotary Managua Club Bank Account (see data below).
We accept donations for the relief effort from US $50.00 to as much as you can raise with your local friends.

Mr. Eduard Zeledon, President of Rotary Managua Tiscapa Club will send you a detail report of the raised amount and destination of your donation.

God bless you, thanks for your support to the people of Nicaragua. See the wire data below.

Best regards,

Michael Cobb
Gran Pacifica Resort / Rotary International

Eduard Zeledon, Managua Tiscapa Rotary Club
ezg@bcn.gob.ni

Local Contact for any question:
Adiak Barahona, adiak@granpacifica.com / Tel (505) 270 3856 / Cel. 880 8797
Managua Tiscapa Rotary Club

OPTION 1

WIRE INFORMATION OF MANAGUA ROTARY CLUB

For incoming International Wire Transfers or Payment Orders to be credited to our account in USD at BANCENTRO, the Sender or Orderer should instruct his bank to send a  MT-100  SWIFT message with one of the following instructions:

1. Date:_______
2. Currency: ________
3. Amount:__________
4. Ordering Customer:
            Name: ___________
            Address:___________
5. Intermediary BIC:CITIUS33
Citibank, N.A.
New York, N.Y.
ABA: 021000089
6. Account with Institution-BIC: /36020388 (USD)
BCCENIMA
Banco de Crédito Centroamericano (BANCENTRO)
Managua, Nicaragua
7. Beneficiary Customer at BANCENTRO:
Account: 101 223 671
Name: Club Rotario Managua Tiscapa
Reference:
OPTION 2

DATA for US Tax deductible contribution through the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh Foundation.

For tax-deductible charitable donations in the United States, you may send contributions to:

Rotary Club of Pittsburgh Foundation
555 Grant Street Suite 328
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

The Foundation will acknowledge contributions in excess of $50.

Early Relief Efforts Sep. 12, 2007 - Much more is needed please help us

Local Rotarians helping in the initial relief efforts.
Much more is needed now after the disaster; please help us to keep the flow of aid. (Rotaract Luis Gabuardi making a difference, red shirt).

Rotary team of experts and private sector organization ready to make sure your donations go where it is most needed (Yellow Shirt: Rotary Delegate for Hurricane Felix Emergency - Melida Sanchez, Managua Tiscapa Rotary Club)