In response to the statewide devastation caused by Tropical Storm Irene, Vermont Public Radio will hold a special one-day fundraiser next Tuesday, September 13th, to help our communities and neighbors rebuild and recover from this natural disaster. Donations received from listeners will benefit the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund.
The outpouring of concern from listeners over the last week has been tremendous. – on the air, online, and through email and phone, we’ve heard from dozens of listeners wanting to do something to help with recovery efforts by volunteering or making donations, but weren’t sure of the best way to do it.
As a public radio station, VPR has vast experience with on-air fundraising efforts and the complicated logistics that go along with such an operation: processing donations, established phone lines, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers. In addition to our comprehensive news coverage of the aftermath and recovery from Irene, we felt giving listeners a trusted, secure place to make a donation would be another way to help our neighbors. We were granted a one-day waiver from the FCC to make this effort possible.
The Vermont Disaster Relief Fund was created by the United Ways of Vermont in cooperation with the executive board of the Vermont Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Vermont VOAD) and Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) to be used specifically for long-term recovery. The fund will be used entirely for the unmet long- term needs of survivors from the Irene disaster, and decisions will be made by Long Term Recovery Committees recognized by VOAD and Vermont Emergency Management.
We know VPR listeners are passionate about Vermont and their communities, and hope you’ll make a donation today to help your neighbors. If you’re looking for other ways to get involved, please consider joining us on September 13 to take donations over the phone from listeners next Tuesday - you can sign up for a shift online here.
If you’re looking to volunteer directly with recovery efforts, please visit our resources page here.
And of course, you’ll find the latest news about recovery efforts at VPR.net.
Despite the enormity of this disaster, it is inspiring to see Vermonters from all walks of life rising up and reaching out to one another for support. Thank you so much for all you do for Vermont and your community!
Will any of the money specifically assist farmers? THey are in deep trouble!!
ReplyDeleteSomeone would like to know that there is some problems with the disbursement of these funds. I have a friend who is displaced because of Irene. They have called 211. They were told that: '211 knows nothing about any flood relief funds. "Call a church" they said.' Almost 2 mil. raised by Phish & VPR has mysteriously vanished? THey were also told that the Disaster Relief fund is for businesses and farms ONLY. She called 211, United Way, Flood Resource Center, VPR, The Governor's Hotline & FEMA. That is the answer. Something's wrong....
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