IFCO PASTORS ACTION ALERT UPDATE
 
This is an update to keep you informed about the IFCO/Pastors for Peace emergency response efforts that we announced last night.
 
As those of you who monitor the news know, Hurricane Ike left Cuba after wreaking havoc and destroying homes and social facilities. Nearly one quarter of the Cuban populating had to be evacuated. The heaviest damage was in the eastern part of the island and along the southern coast. Damage to agriculture was extensive.
 
Your replies to the IFCO Action Alert have been most encouraging. Already, 15 people with construction skills have expressed commitments to join the construction brigade.
 
Many local solidarity groups are also actively recruiting people with the requisite skills.
 
We are still formulating plans for the mini caravan. We already have commitments of two box trucks and two large school busses. We are open to additional donations of vehicles.
 
Your early response to the appeal for donations will enable us to negotiate for the best deals on tools, boots, nails, tarps, mattresses and other items to be purchased in the US or Canada for us to take with us to Cuba.

Dear Friends,
 
Like all of you, IFCO has been watching with heavy hearts as Hurricanes Gustav, Hannah and Ike have ravaged the Caribbean.
 
IFCO is organizing a variety of disaster responses this week.
 
Here is how you can help:
 
1. Help us organize an IFCO-Pastors for Peace Construction Brigade
of 30-50 skilled carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc.  They and a small number of support individuals will travel to Cuba for approximately two weeks to assist in the reconstruction of social projects-i.e. schools, hospitals, medical facilities, home for the elderly, etc

This brigade will arrive in Cuba with tools and humanitarian aid collected from our friends.
 
As usual this aid will be delivered to the Ecumenical Distribution Committee which will distribute the aid wherever it is needed most.
 
2. Help us organize a mini-caravan to gather aid that Cuba says they need.
 
3. Send a generous donation.  IFCO has established a Hurricane Relief Fund to respond as best we can to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Cuba. 
 
The magnitude of need in Cuba has reached historic proportions. Each of us can contribute in some way to the recovery effort. You have helped us in the past.

Our friends in Cuba need our support now more than ever before.
 
Please be as generous as you can. Send your tax-exempt contributions to
IFCO, 418 W. 145th Street, New York, NY 10031  212-926-5757 by phone or by snail mail or
donate online at our website. 
 
Let us help Cuba rebuild with no strings attached!
 
All contributions are tax deductible. IFCO is a 501c3 non profit organization.
 
And please dont forget to urge other people of faith, conscience and good will to contribute in any way possible to this effort.
 
Important:   Please designate all contributions with the word Hurricane.  Do not use the word “Cuba” in the subject notation line of your check or with an online donation.

Donating on line is safe, simple and straight forward:
Go to www.IFCONEWS.org   contributions online
 
Designate your donation amount and write Hurricane Relief in the box online

IFCO/PASTORS FOR PEACE
418 W 145th Street, New York, NY 10031
tel: 212.926.5757 – fax: 212.926.5842 – email: ifco@igc.org,
www.ifconews.org

 
“We’ll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false.”
--- William Casey, Director CIA (Quote from internal staff meeting notes 1981)