PADF Launches Awareness Campaign

Jimmy Jean-Louis, Rainn Wilson encourage donations

Washington, D.C., January 22, 2010 – A media campaign featuring prominent actors has been launched to encourage a new round of donations to Haiti’s earthquake relief, the nonprofit Pan American Development Foundation announced.

“Having just spent five intense days in the relief effort in Port-au-Prince, I can say that the situation on the ground is dire,” says Jimmy Jean-Louis, the actor who plays the “Haitian” in NBC’s Heroes. “More help is still needed. Haiti is counting on your support.”

Donations may be made by calling toll-free (877) 572-4484 or visiting http://www.panamericanrelief.org/. One-hundred percent of donations go to Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

Jimmy Jean-Louis, who is also president of the nonprofit Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH), is featured in a 30-second TV public service announcement, online banners and in display advertisements. They may be seen on http://www.panamericanrelief.org/

Rainn Wilson, the actor who plays “Dwight” in NBC’s the Office, recorded a 60-second radio public service announcement and online banners. They may be heard on http://www.panamericanrelief.org/

John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director, thanked the actors for their support.

“PADF’s disaster relief responsibilities are tremendous and are larger than the donations it has received so far. It is urgent that individuals and companies continue to contribute to our relief effort,” Sanbrailo says.

The creative was developed by Interlex, a social marketing agency in San Antonio, Texas, which has worked with PADF for more than a year. Interlex donated its creative services to the campaign. Spanish-language promotions are in development.

PADF – which is collaborating with the Organization of American States (OAS), HUFH and other groups – has worked in the country for nearly 30 years on economic development, protecting human rights and responding to natural disasters.