American entertainer, rapper and actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges today responded to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s call to help provide relief to survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan.
Ludacris has joined with Diane Jenkins of Drink Neuro to donate $100,000 to The mGive Foundation, for the benefit of the UN World Food Programme's emergency food relief for hungry Filipinos.
Ludacris is also calling on Americans to make a quick text contribution to help the survivors of the largest storm to ever make landfall. Texting the word AID to 80108 to make a $10 donation to The mGive Foundation’s Philippines Typhoon Disaster Relief Fund will provide recovery services to those hardest hit. Reply “Yes” when prompted and the donation will be en route.
“During disasters, we see all Americans – statesmen, entertainers, business people, teachers, factory workers – pull together to help the survivors,” said Jenifer Snyder, executive director of The mGive Foundation. “Ludacris and Drink Neuro are leading by example with their $100,000 contribution and any U.S. cell phone user can join their philanthropic spirit with a simple $10 text donation that will provide essential assistance to help the Philippine people recover from this tragedy.”
Said Ludacris, “The world is made up of many voices but we are one community. By making a text donation, we are a community of action helping our fellow world citizens in their time of need. Suffering knows no borders. Our charity and compassion can stretch across the sea. It’s simple – you use your cell phone every day. If you can, use it today to make a $10 donation to help the people of the Philippines now when they need it most.”
The mGive Foundation will distribute the funds raised by the text campaign to five thoroughly vetted nonprofits, including the UN World Food Programme in partnership with World Food Program USA, who have already dispatched food to three million people in the Philippines. The mGive Foundation is a 501c3 organization that certifies qualifying nonprofit organizations to use the mobile giving channel and receive text donations.
“Text donations are an easy, safe and sure way to get help directly to those in need,” said Ludacris. “Through our personal conversations with The mGive Foundation and the WFP teams, Drink Neuro and I know that all donations will go directly to those affected by this typhoon.”
Current news reports confirm the death toll from Typhoon Haiyan has risen above 5,200 people, with another 1,600 still missing. Haiyan caused an estimated $15 billion in economic costs, left hundreds of thousands homeless and leveled communities beyond recognition. UN officials stated yesterday they are most worried about the 1.5 million children at risk of acute malnutrition and close to 800,000 nursing mothers that need nutritional help. While many funds have been raised, relief officials say it’s not enough.
“All donations make a real difference in the lives of so many people affected by this terrible disaster,” said Rick Leach, President and CEO of World Food Program USA.
“Typhoon Haiyan has hurt so many people. If we can give what we are able to help the families who have been devastated by this tragedy, we can all make a difference,” said Ludacris. “You don’t need to be an entertainer to help. You just need a mobile phone. Please text AID to 80108 to make your $10 donation to help our neighbors across the sea get back on their feet.”
$10.00 donation to The mGive Foundation’s Philippines Typhoon Disaster Relief Fund. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 80108 to STOP. Text HELP to 80108 for HELP.
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