- Vida usa
VIDA USA
Headquarters in
Emeryville, California .VIDA USA is a nonprofit disaster relief organization that delivers medicine, medical supplies and equipment to people in need in Latin America, regardless of race, religion or politics.
Overview
VIDA collects medical supplies and donated equipment from Bay Area hospitals primarlly, and then ships 40 foot containers, one every other week, via ocean cargo to Lima, Peru and throughout Latin America.
Currently, VIDA USA is working in partnership with local NGO's in more than 11 countries in Central and South America, including VIDA PERU in Lima, Peru.
Since its founding in 1992, VIDA USA has delivered more than $220 million in aid to 11 countries, serving more than 2.2 million people in need.
VIDA USA solicits financial support from individuals and corporations online via Global Giving and Network for Good, as well as traditional donations by mail.
History
VIDA USA was founded in 1992 by Haydee Rodriguez-Pastor, a Peruvian philanthopist, in response to a severe cholera breakout in Southern Peru. Working with neighbors and Peruvians living in the Bay Area, they accomplished the first container, filled with medicine, blankets, baby formula, and hospital beds in a matter of days.
Rankings and recognition
Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities, has awarded VIDA USA a 4-Star rating from 2003 to 2007.
VIDA USA supports Americares by providing transportation of donated medical supplies and medicines throughout the year.
VIDA USA is currently organizing a container for immediate shipment to Lima in response to the August 15, 2007 earthquake measuring 7.9 and centered in Pisco.
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