Jimmy Jean-Louis Leads Relief Campaign

Washington, D.C., January 14, 2010 – Jimmy Jean-Louis, who plays the “Haitian” on NBC’s hit series “Heroes,” is leading a public awareness campaign to raise money for the survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the Pan American Development Foundation and the Organization of American States announced.

“Haitians are desperate for help, and I am glad to collaborate with PADF on its national campaign to raise relief money,” says Jimmy Jean-Louis, who will appear in television public service announcements, print ads and online. He is volunteering his services to the effort.

He is asking people to donate to PADF’s secure website: http://www.PanAmericanRelief.org/

Donations are also accepted by a toll-free number: (877) 572-4484. PADF responds to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Fortunately, Jimmy Jean-Louis found out today that his parents in the Haitian capital are safe but their home was destroyed by the earthquake. Unfortunately, other family members died in the collapse.

Jimmy is making plans to return to Haiti. PADF will provide him with a satellite telephone so he can maintain contact and provide first-hand reports on the situation on the ground.

“Jimmy’s kind heart and dedication to his countrymen are outstanding and we are proud to work with him on this national campaign,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director.

PADF – the natural disaster relief arm of the OAS – has more than 150 people in Haiti working on economic development, human rights and disaster relief. PADF’s office in the Dominican Republic will be the staging area for all its shipments to the island. It is sending emergency relief supplies including food, tools, telecommunications equipment and other immediate relief supplies.

“PADF is working with civil protection authorities, the private sector and community organizations to provide immediate and long-term assistance,” Sanbrailo says.

As part of its response effort, PADF is coordinating with other Inter-American partners including the OAS, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture.

At the same time, the non-profit organization is also working with major corporations to coordinate their response. In other recent natural disasters, PADF worked with DIAGEO, Chevron, Royal Caribbean International Ltd., Citi and Federal Express.