Dear Vincentians,

We awoke in the U.S. last Saturday morning to learn of a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake hitting Nepal, just a few miles away from the capital of Kathmandu.  The earthquake flattened parts of the country and triggered avalanches in the Himalaya Mountains.  Thousands of deaths have been reported thus far, with many more casualties feared under the rubble.  Tens of thousands more people have been injured and displaced.

The International Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (CGI) in Paris has requested our assistance to raise funds for two international disasters: the earthquake in Nepal and the island of Vanuatu, which suffered the impact of Category 5 Tropical Cyclone PAM, which destroyed much of the country’s agricultural industry.

A disaster appeal letter from SVdP International President, Dr. Michael Thio, is attached.

As a member of the international Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which spans 150 countries on five continents, the U.S. Society is called upon from time to time and in extreme situations to assist our fellow Vincentians in other countries when they have been faced with natural disasters.  That time is now!

Both of these disasters require funds for the relief and rehabilitation efforts and we appeal to you for your kind and generous donations.

The U.S. Council has an active fundraising campaign underway to support CGI’s efforts in responding to international disasters such as in Nepal and Vanuatu.  (Please select “International Disaster” on the Donation Programs drop-down menu and note “Nepal and Vanuatu” or “General Gift” in the Donor Notes field.

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E135450&id=2

Or, if you prefer, you can send a check to:

National Council of the United States

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

58 Progress Parkway

Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3706

When making your contribution, please state: For the “International Disaster” and please note “Nepal and Vanuatu” or “General Gift.”

On behalf of the Leadership Team for the U.S. Society for St. Vincent de Paul, thank you for your dedicated service to those living in poverty and your compassion for our brothers and sisters across the globe.

Yours in St. Vincent and Blessed Frédéric,

Sheila Gilbert

President

National Council of the United States