Samaritan's Purse preparing aid for Nicaragua

Christian relief organization rushing to help after Hurricane Ida strikes Central America

CALGARY, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - Samaritan's Purse is preparing assistance to Nicaragua after Hurricane Ida struck the Central American nation on Thursday, forcing the evacuation of approximately 3,000 people.

Ida brought 120 kilometer-per-hour winds and up to 50 centimeters of water to Nicaragua's Caribbean coast. Reports indicate that buildings were destroyed, bridges washed out, and power lines downed. It is an area where many people's homes are flimsy wooden shacks that stand no chance of surviving a powerful storm like Ada.

"There is an urgent need in Nicaragua for relief and recovery help," said Fred Weiss, Samaritan's Purse Canada's executive director. "We are committed to assisting, and we're asking Canadians to partner with us. Nicaragua is one of Central America's poorest countries, so the need for outside help is even more pressing."

Samaritan's Purse has been working with dedicated Christian partners for more than 20 years in Nicaragua. Its relief, development and evangelism projects there have helped Samaritan's Purse develop strong relationships throughout the region.

Samaritan's Purse is in contact with its Nicaraguan partners to assess the situation and ensure that the relief efforts are very effective. Based on its past experience, Samaritan's Purse is preparing to provide food, drinking water, cooking kits, hygiene kits, and construction materials to build temporary shelters. Colleagues in other Samaritan's Purse offices - including the United States - are joining in this effort.

In 2008, Samaritan's Purse provided relief help after Felix, a Category-5 hurricane, pummeled Nicaragua. Samaritan's Purse Teams from Canada are still traveling to the country periodically to aid in reconstruction.

Donations Needed

To support this urgent relief and recovery work, call 1-800-663-6500 or visit www.samaritanspurse.ca.

About Samaritan's Purse Canada

Samaritan's Purse Canada is an international Christian relief and development organization working in about 70 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. The Calgary-based charity also operates the well-known Operation Christmas Child program that sends gift-filled shoe boxes to needy children around the world each year, and the Turn on the Tap initiative that raises funds for life-saving BioSand Water Filters in the developing world. Go to www.samaritanspurse.ca for more information.

For further information: Media Inquiries: Martin Silbernagel, Communications Advisor, 1-800-663-6500 or (403) 708-9667, msilbernagel@samaritan.ca