Brother's Brother Foundation (BBF - HQ)

PRESS RELEASE Brother’s Brother Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1200 Galveston Ave.
March 11, 2011 Pittsburgh, PA 15233
PRESS CONFERENCE AT Phone: 412-321-3160 Fax: 412-321-3325
BROTHER’S BROTHER www.brothersbrother.org
3:00 PM, March 11th CONTACTS:
Luke L. Hingson, President BBF 412-321-3160
Karen Dempsey, Vice Pres. Dev./Admin. 412-237-2324
Donna Lee Siple, Executive Director of 412 433-5021
The Japan-American Society of Pennsylvania

BROTHER’S BROTHER FOUNDATION IN COOPERATION WITH THE JAPAN-AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA RESPONDS TO EARTHQUAKE/TSUNAMI IN JAPAN
Following today’s 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Japan that generated tsunami destruction on the island of Japan, Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF), in cooperation with the Japan-American Society of Pennsylvania (JASP) will respond to requested needs of the residents of Japan.
The JASP has been proud to serve the Pittsburgh region for twenty five years. Throughout its history, the JASP has been dedicated to improving international understanding and strengthening the ties between Japan and Western Pennsylvania. “We have always recognized the critical business relationships between Japanese and American companies who employ a large number of people in Western Pennsylvania and who are creating world class products and services. In addition, we are proud to sponsor important cultural and educational outreach activities which help bring diversity and international understanding to our greater Pennsylvania schools and community”, said Stephen Ceurvorst who serves as Chairman of the JASP. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those living in Japan or who have loved ones in the area. The JASP and Brother’s Brother teamed up after the 1995 earthquake disaster in Kobe by supporting an orphanage in order to provide assistance to victims who were least able to help themselves”, said Mr. Ceurvorst.
BBF, a 53-year old Pittsburgh-based international charity, has provided over $4 billion of medical supplies, textbooks, food, seeds, and other humanitarian supplies to people around the world in over 140 countries. With the help of gifts from the general public, corporations and the US government, in 2010 BBF sent product contributions to those in need in 52 countries including Cameroon, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Jamaica, Liberia, Nicaragua, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Uganda. These shipments were the equivalent of 236 tractor trailer loads. Also in 2010, BBF provided supplies for 241 medical and humanitarian hand-carry mission trips.
Charity Navigator continues to give BBF a 4-star rating for BBF's ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Forbes Magazine, in this year's Investment Guide, once again noted BBF's efficiency with a 100% rating for fundraising efficiency and charitable commitment. The Better Business Bureau again gave BBF its “Wise Giving Alliance Standards” seal of approval.
Donations to assist with shipping costs are always greatly appreciated. Credit card donations can be made at www.brothersbrother.org or by calling BBF at 412-321-3160. Checks should be made to the Brother's Brother Foundation and sent to:

Brother's Brother Foundation / Japan
1200 Galveston Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

For additional information about this press release or other media inquiries please contact Karen Dempsey, Vice President Development/Administration, or Luke L. Hingson, President, at 412-321-3160 or mail @ brothersbrother.org

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SEE Haiti Earthquake Aid Donation Guide

http://www.brothersbrother.org/haitidonorguide.htm

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FROM THE INTER-ACTIVE WEBSITE:

Gifts In-kind Accepted: pharmaceuticals, medical supplies

Operational Details

Date of Response: Wed, 2010-01-13

Operational Summary:
BBF is working with partner organization Food for the Poor to send requested medical relief supplies to those in need in Haiti. BBF has a 40 year history of work in Haiti and sent requested pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments and other supplies as recently as 30 December 2009.

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Donate Gifts-in-Kind

From local private donations to large corporate shipments, Brother's Brother Foundation is truly "connecting people's resources with people's needs."

BBF ships to any country regardless of race, nationality and religious affiliations. Every donation makes a difference. A pair of crutches allows a man to walk in Nicaragua while a story book reaches eager students in Ghana .

Before dropping off donations, arranging a pick-up or mailing a donation, please take a moment to review BBF's donation guidelines.

Remember all donations must be pre-approved. Please contact the appropriate Program Coordinator to receive approval. NO donation will be accepted without prior approval.

Once a donation is approved and received you will receive a letter of acknowledgement which can be used for tax purposes.

BBF is NOT collecting used/new clothing or shoes at the moment. It is also NOT collecting medicines or other medical supplies at this time.