The Mountain Institute (TMI) Announces Urgent Campaign to Provide Tents for Himalayan Earthquake Survivors, asks US and Canadian Citizens to Help

Serving as the US-Canada node for ICIMOD (the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development) TMI urges citizens and residents of the United States and Canada to contribute to a campaign to help purchase tents for families displaced by the devastating earthquake. The cost of each tent is $140, and 100% of funds donated will be applied toward the purchase of tents. The tents are made from good quality double ply Korean fabric and include poles and stakes by Nepal’s foremost tent manufacturer, which can gear up immediately to produce many tents in a short time.

(PRWEB) October 23, 2005 -- With winter approaching, the devastation of lives among the Himalayan people of Pakistan, Afghanistan and northern India is profound. The victims, overwhelmingly poor, lost their makeshift dwellings in the October 8th earthquake and impassable roads in this mountainous region are making it difficult for emergency workers to bring aid and relief. As the Himalayan winter approaches, hundreds of thousands of people are without shelter in what are already subzero temperatures.

Contributions will be completely tax deductible and TMI, an organization registered under Section 501(c) 3 of the US Internal Revenue Code, will provide acknowledgements for tax purposes. Please make checks payable to The Mountain Institute, state purpose of contribution as “Tents for Himalayan Earthquake Victims” and mail to: The Mountain Institute, 1707 L Street, NW, Suite 1030, Washington, DC 20036. Alternatively, donations may be made by credit card (VISA, Mastercard or American Express) through the TMI website www.mountain.org under the “How You Can Help” link.

A running tally of funds raised and number of tents purchased will be posted on the website and updated daily.

The Mountain Institute’s mission is to conserve mountain environments, improve mountain livelihoods and support mountain cultures. With more than 30 years of experience, we have offices and ongoing operations in the world’s longest, oldest and highest mountain ranges: The Andes, Appalachians and Himalayas. In addition, we have new programs in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia.

Bob Davis

President and CEO

The Mountain Institute

(202) 452-1636

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