Local Voices
Foundation gift to aid Philippines relief work
The Patterson Foundation made a $35,000 gift to NetHope for operating expenses tied to the communications and emergency-response needs of NetHope’s 22 non-governmental member organizations responding to the devastation from the Nov. 8 Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
A partner of The Patterson Foundation since 2011, NetHope is a collaborative agency of 41 non-governmental member organizations (NGOs) that work internationally to build and accelerate information and communications technology support, especially following natural disasters around the world.
“As global citizens, we have the flexibility, opportunity and responsibility to work through our partners, like NetHope, to provide resources that will help NGOs restore communications capability and better respond to the needs on the ground in the Philippines,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Our gift helps NetHope’s personnel make the connections needed in the field.”
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NetHope’s collaborative approach with its partners – which include Microsoft, Cisco, Dell and others – enables companies to donate cash and in-kind equipment, like satellite phones, that help the member NGOs respond more effectively.
Since the typhoon hit the Philippines, NetHope is working closely with United Nations as part of its Emergency Telecommunications Cluster, which helps prevent duplication and leads to more efficient humanitarian operations.
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As of Tuesday, NetHope is working to determine the best location for satellite communications resources so they are most effective for relief organizations.
Typhoon Haiyan made landfall over the Philippines earlier this month, destroying 80 percent of the homes in the hardest hit areas and leaving an estimated 600,000 people homeless. The death toll continues to rise with confirmed deaths surpassing 3,000, according to government authorities in the Philippines.
About The Patterson Foundation
The Patterson Foundation believes that through communications, technology, and financial innovations, improvements may be achieved that transcend any single issue, entity, or geographic area. The Foundation provides resources to facilitate, expedite and share methods, techniques and tools, joining with others in creating new realities. For more information, please visit www.thepattersonfoundation.org.
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