A generous donation of $300,000 from the American International Group, Inc. (AIG) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) will enable CHF International to help earthquake-affected Peruvians quickly rebuild and recover. The August 15 earthquake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, killed over 500 individuals, seriously injured more than a thousand, and left over 60,000 families homeless during the South American winter.

Building on a nimble and effective partnership established in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and later strengthened through the response to the 2006 earthquake in Jogjakarta, the AIG DRF and CHF International are once again focusing on interventions that will transition vulnerable communities from immediate relief through longer-term recovery and development.

American International Group, Inc. President and CEO Martin Sullivan said, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Peru during this challenging time. While their losses cannot be erased, AIG and the AIG Disaster Relief Fund are pleased to be a part of efforts to rebuild."

Initially focusing on vulnerable communities in the Municipality of Ica, the support from the AIG Disaster Relief Fund will enable CHF International to provide shelter, assist with clean-up efforts and restore lost livelihoods to affected communities.

"We were very moved by the destruction and devastating effect this tragic earthquake had on the lives of the people of Peru," said CHF International's Senior Vice President, Judith A. Hermanson, Ph.D. She added, "We are also touched by the continued support and compassion shown by the staff of AIG and the AIG Disaster Relief Fund, which enabled us to respond to the disaster immediately. AIG and CHF International are natural partners in disaster response and mitigation. We want to ensure that affected communities not only rebuild, but build back better."

Over the next three months, 6,000 person-days of short-term employment will be created through community clean-up projects that will help prevent a public health crisis, while generating immediate income for those who have lost their places of work. With 70 percent of homes in Ica completely destroyed, and most damaged extensively, this effort will also provide the materials and resources for 500 homes to be repaired or for new transitional shelters to be constructed with local materials. In addition, 300 micro-business grants will be provided to individuals or groups so that they can reestablish productive enterprises or repair damaged community infrastructure.

The AIG Disaster Relief Fund is a global charitable organization that was formed by American International Group, Inc. to encourage a wide range of philanthropic endeavors, including providing assistance to victims of manmade and natural disaster and emergencies around the world. The DRF is funded by generous donations from AIG and its employees, whose contributions are matched by AIG. Additional information about the AIG Disaster Relief Fund and AIG's Corporate Responsibility efforts can be found at http://www.aig.com/responsibility.

Founded in 1952, CHF International's mission is to be a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low- and moderate-income communities around the world, helping them to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions. The organization provides technical expertise and leadership in international and domestic development, including critical emergency management following disasters and civil conflict. CHF International has worked in over 100 countries worldwide since its inception.

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