CAA raises money for Haiti relief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb 22, 2010 Catholic Aid Association		Media Contact: Jared Roddy 651-490-0170 or 1-800-568-6670 jroddy@catholicaid.org
Employer collection nets thousands for Haiti survivors
ST. PAUL, MINN. -- A virtual passing-of-the-hat by the members and employees of the Catholic Aid Association in St. Paul, Minn., will provide $6,000 in aid for the survivors of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.   Within a week of the tragic event, as news reports continued to describe the chaos and destruction, The Catholic Aid Association Foundation began a campaign to raise money from Catholic Aid councils, employees and board members to donate to the Salesian Missions in Haiti, which Catholic Aid has supported more than 20 years.   “We’ve got many members who have connections through missions to Haiti, so we knew several councils would be putting on their own fundraisers,” Foundation Executive Director Paul Naumann said. “But we wanted to give our employees a chance to contribute too. Everyone responded overwhelmingly.”   Along with the contributions of several local councils, there were 63 donors including home office employees, field representatives and board members who gave $5,000 in relief. The Catholic Aid Association has added $1,000 to the total.   Haiti, although the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, has a rich tradition of Catholicism, the religion claimed by 80 to 85 percent of the 10.5 million inhabitants.   “We need to reach out not only to our brothers and sisters in faith,” Naumann wrote in his email request for donations, “but to all those who are affected by this tragedy.”   Supporting charity and service by its members for those in need has been a cornerstone of the Catholic Aid Association’s business model since 1878. Supporting missions abroad and within the U.S. has long been a Catholic Aid commitment.   The Salesian mission, through education, training and recreation provide impoverished youth in developing nations not only the day-to-day necessities to survive, but the tools to become contributing members of society. Its facilities around Port-au-Prince were badly damaged with the majority of the buildings completely destroyed. Nineteen people were killed at their “Little Schools” facility.   The $6,000 provided by Catholic Aid employees will help the Salesians as they look after the 13,000 homeless victims currently under their care. They also specifically request funds and donations for 500-600 “schools in a box” to serve roughly 20,000 children, seeking to reestablish a sense of normalcy for the kids.   “Wow, what a group!” President and Chairman of the Board of Catholic Aid Michael McGovern said, after learning of the total raised. “I am so proud of all of you, and may God bless you for your generosity.”   About The Catholic Aid Association The Catholic Aid Association helps every generation of the Catholic community thrive and grow. By striving to be the provider of choice for life insurance and retirement preparation for nearly 74,000 members, and by giving back to the local communities through its 160 local councils, Catholic Aid has built a relationship with its members stretching back 132 years. Programs that provide matching grants to schools and churches, assistance to members in need, and education scholarships for young members have given millions of dollars to communities throughout Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. Based in St. Paul, Minn., Catholic Aid is a professional friend, helping its members to plan for the future, for every step of every journey, for life.   About the Catholic Aid Association Foundation The Catholic Aid Association Foundation was formed in 1997 to provide Catholic Aid members with a vehicle for charitable giving. It focuses on three priority areas of giving: providing funds for technology in Catholic schools and parishes; promoting chastity and abstinence programs for young Catholics; and procuring aid for victims of natural disasters. Through these initiatives, the Foundation strives to financially support the spiritual, educational and social needs of Catholic communities throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. The Executive Director of the Foundation also serves as executive director of the Reverend Msgr. Richard J. Schuler Seminarian Charitable Trust, which provides grants for the day-to-day expenses of men studying for the priesthood.   For more information about The Catholic Aid Association or its Foundation or Credit Union, call 1-800-568-6670 or visit online at www.catholicaid.org.
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