Dear Colleagues,

Typhoon Haiyan — one of the strongest storms ever to make landfall--has ravaged the Philippines.  Children and families in the affected area are facing a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions and complexity.   The UN Children's Fund ( UNICEF) said Sunday that it is rushing emergency supplies to areas of the Philippines impacted by the super typhoon, as the latest estimates indicate up to four million children could have been affected.

Responding to situations like this is at the core of our company mission and community engagement efforts.  We reached out to help the residents of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, the people of Haiti following the monumental earthquake, the people of Pakistan as they worked to recover from terrible floods, and the people of Japan during the devastating earthquake and Pacific Tsunami.  We supported Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and  Wounded Warriors during recent holiday campaigns,  and each year we support a wide range of nonprofit organizations in the communities where Abt Associates offices are located in efforts to improve the quality of life in those communities every day.

It is now time to help the children of the Philippines.  I have approved a $10,000 company donation to UNICEF to support relief efforts underway. 

I'd also like to encourage you to help. Our company commitment to UNICEF will be increased by providing a match to staff contributions up to $5,000.

If you want a contribution to be counted toward the match, please send a receipt of your contribution to Benny Pittman in the Bethesda office via pouch or mail by Friday, November 24, 2013.  Thank you in advance for your support.

All the Best,

Kathleen

NOTE:  Email sent :bcc to All Staff Abt

 Kathleen L. Flanagan |President and CEO | Abt Associates