GVN Relief/Assessment Team Headed to Haiti

Wellington, New Zealand, January 22, 2010 — The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) will send an advanced team of GVN relief professionals into Haiti on January 24th, 2010 thanks to a private organisation in Jamaica and public support. The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. GVN currently has volunteer positions available throughout 21countries.
In response to the Haiti disaster Colin Salisbury, Global Volunteer Network (GVN) Founder and President has commissioned an advanced team of relief professionals – all private individuals who have readily volunteered to lend their expertise and support – headed by Nadine McNeil, GVN Foundation Board Member who has over 20 years experience working in the UN, including a three year assignment in Indonesia following the 2004 tsunami.
“The team will make an initial assessment of the immediate needs on the ground, specifically addressing water/sanitation, health/safety, psycho-social trauma support, and logistics/ distribution. The recommendations coming from the initial assessment team will drive the GVN Haitian re-building/support volunteer projects for the next 12-18 months,� says Salisbury.
Salisbury says that the international community, both the public and private sectors have been quick to respond but more needs to be done.

“I am urging everyone to act. Whether you dig deep and put your hands in your pockets, volunteer, or send prayers, please do something. We can all do something.�
If you are interested in joining a GVN volunteer team in Haiti over the coming 12 months, please visit the GVN website: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/haiti/
GVN-Foundation, the non-profit arm of GVN which provides financial assistance to communities in need has also launched an emergency appeal to assist the victims. Donations to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund can be made online through the GVN-Foundation:http://www.gvnfundraising.org/cause/Haitidisasterrelief

About Global Volunteer Network (GVN):
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) offers volunteer service opportunities in community projects around the world. GVN currently provides volunteer programs through their partner organizations in 21 countries throughout South America, Africa, and Asia. The GVN vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers.
For additional information on Global Volunteer Network, and their Haiti relief/volunteer efforts, or to organize an interview please contact Lauren McMahon:
Contact:
Lauren McMahon, Communications Manager, Global Volunteer Network
+64 4 920 1450 or +64 21328400
lauren@volunteer.org.nz www.globalvolunteernetwork.org