President Lee C. Bollinger Statement on the Earthquake in Nepal COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

President Lee C. Bollinger Statement on the Earthquake in Nepal COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog Please know that our thoughts are with our Seeple, alumni, family and friends who were impacted by Nepals  massive, 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Saturday. In  the aftermath of this  devastating  quake, help to provide relief is still needed.  While many Seeple cant get on the next flight to Kathmandu and help (Jessica Alexander, MIA 05, actually advises against it  in this article for Slate.com), there are other ways to offer assistance.   For anyone who would like to donate to the  relief efforts, Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger has shared a list of organizations accepting donations. His statement on the Nepal quake is below. Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and the unspeakable suffering caused by the earthquake there. As we mourn the terrible loss of life in Nepal, we are also turning to ways in which our community can support critical relief efforts and the daunting process of rebuilding from the wreckage. Given the size and diversity of our global University community, rarely does a day go by when some event in the news, either close to home or halfway around the world, touches our lives in some way and our sense of common humanity. The scale of the disaster we are witnessing in Nepal is staggering and requires our recognition and a sustained response. The University will be gathering more information about ways to support Nepal relief efforts. Here is a list of some of the organizations already accepting donations: American Red Cross The American Red Cross is assisting in evaluating the damage caused by the earthquake as well as developing preparedness for future disasters. It is also providing first aid on the ground and reuniting families who have been separated. MercyCorps MercyCorps is distributing supplies needed immediately, such as water purification tablets and containers, blankets, hygiene products, clothes and cooking utensils. CARE CARE, which focuses on eradicating poverty, is setting up shelters and distributing hygiene products to victims of the earthquake. Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity will be setting up temporary shelters for people in left homeless in Kathmandu and surrounding areas. Save the Children Save the Children targets the needs of children, and has sent baby packs that include blankets, clothes, soap and other materials. OxFam America OxFam America, which fights poverty and hunger, is ensuring people in the epicenter of the earthquake receive clean water, sanitation and food. UNICEF The U.N. branch, which focuses on childrens rights and wellbeing, has sent emergency response teams to ensure child victims of the earthquake are finding sanitary shelter. UNICEF is also providing clean water, education and child protection.