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The recent news coverage about Hurricane Relief may have caused some confusion about Aidmatrix's role in the relief process. We simply provide technology that connects donors with relief organizations. During a disaster, donations should first be made to the relief organizations and you can use the links below to do that. Aidmatrix does not receive financial gain from individual donations made through the Aidmatrix Network. We simply help connect those who have with those in need. Please visit:
Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and FEMA.
And afterward, if you want to help continue to make disaster relief better in the future, your support of Aidmatrix is certainly welcome. You can use our Virtual Aid Drive to make an online contribution.
Posted On: September 3, 2008
Hurricane Gustav has now made landfall. Our partners at the State Offices of Emergency Services, the State VOAD, FEMA and National VOAD are all responding. Our role is simply to help amplify and accelerate their efforts through the use of supply chain technology. Please visit their websites for up-to-date information about recovery efforts. You can also link into the Aidmatrix Network through each State's portal on their respective websites which will show the specific needs for each State. Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and FEMA.
Posted On: September 1, 2008
Hurricane Gustav Estimates now say 1.5 million people have been evacuated. Gustav is scheduled to hit the Gulf Coast in the next 24 hours. Visit our partners' websites for up-to-date information about recovery efforts and specific needs. They will then use the Aidmatrix Network to coordinate with the State and National VOAD. Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and FEMA.
Posted On: August 31, 2008
Hurricane Gustav is headed for the Gulf Coast. Our partners are preparing for landfall over the Labor Day weekend. Please visit their websites for up-to-date information about recovery efforts. Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and FEMA.
Posted On: August 30, 2008
Hurricane Gustav is headed for the Gulf Coast. Please visit our partners' sites for up-to-date information about recovery efforts. Texas, Louisiana.
Posted On: August 28, 2008
Guest Contributor: Melis Jones, Vice President, Aidmatrix
$200K of Carpeting Helps Long-Term Recovery Efforts in Iowa --
This week we had another great example of how well the Aidmatrix Network works connecting everyone together. A donation was made for the Iowa Flood Relief through the Iowa State Portal on the Aidmatrix Network for $200,000 worth of new carpeting. However, the donor was in California and didn't have the ability to transport the offer. So a needs request was put in the Aidmatrix Network for tranportation services from California to Iowa. One of our partners quickly accepted the transportation request and picked up the loads. The transportation services alone were valued at $10,000. This donation arrived this week and was delivered to Iowa's Habitat for Humanity who will use it in their housing projects for Iowa residents. I spent a round-the-clock week in Iowa during the days of the flooding getting the system up and running with the State Emergency Team. Generous donations like this just make it all worthwhile.
Posted On: August 26, 2008
Thankfully, Tropical Storm Fay wasn't as bad as anticipated for Florida, however, our partners at the State Office of Emergency Services were well prepared and are now asking the public to visit www.VolunteerFlorida.org to help.
Posted On: August 20, 2008
Guest Contributor: Shari Temple, Managing Director, Aidmatrix Europe
7/18/08 -- Today I had an opportunity to go to one of the poorest areas in South Africa. JAM (Joint Aid Management) provides breakfast for kids. This provides nutrition for the kids as well as encourages them to go to school – so they get some foods. The teachers said that the kids “no longer faint in the mornings”. One mother asked the teachers “what are you doing to my child – he’s never sick anymore”. The kids loved having their picture taken and loved even more seeing the picture on the digital camera. It was worth them backing me into a tree, then a rose bush and having their breakfast enriched mush all over my clothes.
7/22/08 -- Today I was able to see work done by the Global Water Foundation in conjunction with Roundabout Outdoor. They drill for water at a grade school play ground (1 in 3 drillings strike water). Then they use a merry-go-round (roundabout) pump to use kid-power to pump the water. They also try to put a vegetable garden next to it. The kids learn to grow vegetables and take home seeds from the vegetables to teach their parents how to start a garden.
The roundabout had just been installed last week and this was the first time the kids were allowed to play on it. They easily understood the concept of using the water to water the vegetables. (I also got to take the premier ride on it – and was definitely dizzy by the time I got off. We were really going fast.)
Posted On: July 30, 2008
Guest Contributor: Keith Thode, Aidmatrix COO
7/12/08 -- I’m excited to announce our agreement with “Meds and Food For Kids”. They are a nonprofit manufacturer of a Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) - that can bring severely malnutrition-ed kids back to normalcy. They are based in Haiti, and the production, distribution, etc. are performed in Haiti. Most of the employees are Haitians. I headed down here to help them pilot the use of our online inventory control solution to manage their manufacturing operations and to identify other areas of investment.
View more photos
Posted On: July 30, 2008
Guest Contributor: Brad Watts, Aidmatrix Program Manager
The trip to Haiti was extremely eye opening. Upon landing at the airport, there was a mad rush to the customs office where everyone pushed each other out of the way in order to try and grab a mysterious green form (mysterious because it was only in French) that allowed entry and departure from the country. On the taxi ride to the hotel we swerved through side streets with no sidewalks and zipped by thousands of young Haitians. The taxi ride made me momentarily feel like I was in the next “Bourne Identity” movie or like we were in such a rush that it was worth risking life.
The conference was organized by BDA Global and EDC Consultants and went well. A couple of small business owners, several nonprofits, and the VP of the Pan American Development Fund and the former president of the Pan American Education Fund were in attendance. The Port Au Prince Daily newspaper and TV station were there to film the Minister of Education (My picture and interview might be published but unfortunately I won’t be able to read it).
The purpose of the conference was to educate corporations about Corporate Social Responsibility and to talk about the program that the EDC Consultants helped implement to provide education to rural schools using the radio. However, their USAID funding is ending and there are no clear next steps, no government support, and no organizations to donate to. The program was utilized successfully but I left feeling like there was no clear direction for the future of the program. In all, it was a fun and eye opening experience.
Posted On: July 23, 2008
Hurricane Dolly heads toward the Gulf coast of Mexico and Texas. It is projected to make landfall Wednesday. We are in communications with our contacts at the U.S. Department of State for Mexico and the State of Texas Emergency Management Services and are taking the necessary steps in preparation for the response efforts.
Posted On: July 22, 2008
Tropical Storm Dolly heads toward the Gulf coast of Mexico and Texas. It is projected to become a Hurricane Monday night. We are in communications with our contacts at the U.S. Department of State for Mexico and the State of Texas Emergency Management Services. We are on alert and will remain in close communication should emergency activation procedures be required.
Posted On: July 21, 2008
Midwest Flood Relief: Visit our partners' websites: Indiana, Iowa and others
Posted On: June 4, 2008
China Earthquake Relief: Click here to donate to our partners providing local relief in China
Posted On: May 13, 2008
The Myanmar Cyclone death toll is now estimated to reach 100,000 by the U.N. You can help the survivors with your donation to the Myanmar relief efforts. Learn More
Cash Donations
In-Kind Donations
Posted On: May 9, 2008
Aidmatrix continues to expand. We are pleased to announce the opening of our new office in New Dehli, India. There is a well-documented need in India, combined with numerous humanitarian organizations throughout the country. This eight-person office, headed by Kuldip Nar, will also have an auxiliary operation in the State of Manipur. Aidmatrix India is already working with several other organizations, especially on disaster relief. In April, the office will be running a conference on “Operationalising Public-Private Partnerships for Disaster Management”. Contact Kuldip Nar for more information.
Posted On: February 29, 2008
Severe thunderstorms spawned tornadoes and throughout the Midwest - the impact in terms of health and property damage is still being assessed.
The State of Alabama has activated The Aidmatrix Network. Other state and local authorities are organizing their response efforts. To make offers of assistance by way of FEMA and State Emergency Management efforts throughout the region, go to www.aidmatrixnetwork.org
Posted On: February 6, 2008
Happy New Year and thank you for all your support in 2007. Aidmatrix has enjoyed significant growth since its beginnings in 2000. Our operating budget spends less than 3 percent on administrative costs, ensuring grant dollars go straight to programming and the projects they embrace. Our staff doubled in the past year in an effort to effectively administer our new programs as well as keep pace with our organization's growing administrative responsibilities. Last year, Aidmatrix launched several new programs including a national donations management system for disaster relief in partnership with FEMA, Accenture and other major donors. This program helped serve victims during a number of natural disasters, from wildfires and storms in the US to hurricanes and flooding in other countries. In total, Aidmatrix mobilizes more than $1.5 billion in aid annually, working with more than 35,000 nonprofits, companies and government agencies worldwide. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated, click here to donate.
Posted On: January 14, 2008
Ice storms continue to immobilize most of the mid-section of the country. However, relief work is underway. Oklahoma has activated their Aidmatrix Network portal to handle unsolicited in-kind donations. To help, visit http://www.ok.gov/OEM
Posted On: December 12, 2007
My recent trip to India proved to be a powerful experience at two major conferences. While there, we presented to senior officials from India's National Disaster Management Agency. We received strong encouragement to progress quickly within the country. I also participated in a panel at the National Alliance on Disaster Risk Reduction (NADRR) in New Delhi. The Aidmatrix Foundation played a key role in offering to connect the participating NGOs to a NADRR central site and into an India Aidmatrix Network. While in New Delhi, Keith Thode (Aidmatrix COO) and I also participated in the 2nd Annual Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. On my way back I stopped in Europe for several meetings and then returned home to celebrate Thanksgiving. I hope your families enjoyed a wonderful holiday.
Posted On: November 27, 2007
During this week's Thanksgiving celebrations we hope you'll take just a few minutes to share your blessings with others. Donating to the Aidmatrix Foundation helps provide aid for more than 55 million people in need. Click here to show your support
Posted On: November 20, 2007
The recent floods in Mexico have left thousands homeless. Together with our partners at the Food Bank Association of Mexico / Banco de Alimentos de Mexico, we are working to raise funds for the relief efforts. Click here to share your support
Posted On: November 7, 2007
The California Wildfires have raised the need for donations. Aidmatrix is working closely with California's Office of Emergency Services and our partners of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) in their relief efforts. California has asked that donors contribute through the National VOAD Click here to share your support
Posted On: October 24, 2007
Aidmatrix solutions are being adopted rapidly. Just since the beginning of the third quarter, we have almost doubled the number of states joining the FEMA-National Donations Management Network. California, a state considered in the top number for disaster potential, was recently added to the other 11 currently involved. Before year's end we will announce the addition of a National Industry Sponsor providing support: human, financial and in-kind resources. On the International front, we have been generating excitement throughout Europe, visiting with a dozen organizations across several countries interested in Aidmatrix. And our first International Relief Network was deployed with the help of Latin American charities and the Government of Honduras, offering an Internet-based donations system when Hurricane Felix hit land. But the best news yet - Aidmatrix does all of this while operating on a budget where 97% funding goes directly to our programs. That means not only do we help make others more efficient, but also we set a great example of efficiency ourselves.
Posted On: October 12, 2007
I've just returned from meetings in Europe with partners interested in further developing humanitarian aid, whether to victims of disaster or those who suffer daily. Together we want to bring aid to others across the globe, like Africa, Latin America and Asia. After discussions with those in government and charity work, as well as local and international businesses, we are expanding our partnerships. The Aidmatrix Foundation will be allocating new grants supporting the use of technology to help humanity. This visit continues to highlight the need for more efficiency in getting aid to people, and in knowing the specific needs of those suffering. Aidmatrix will assist new global partners in getting the Right Aid to the Right People at the Right Time.T
Posted On: September 27, 2007
On the two-year date mark of Hurricane Rita, we here at Aidmatrix pause and consider the work cut out for us in furthering humanitarian aid. With the implementation of the national donations system, Aidmatrix is helping states across the country embrace the coordinated efforts between government, nonprofits and the private sector. And, even on this day of remembrance, we have joined forces with FEMA, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) and many others, gathering in DC to for a 2-day conference focusing on the donations process within the national system. We can, with the strength of partnership, work toward lessening the effects of disasters like Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
Posted On: September 24, 2007
The First Lady's Office has reported that Honduras suffered a less than projected initial impact. The after effects including flooding and mud slides have brought additional strain on some of the country's most impoverished regions, and help would still greatly be appreciated. Items most needed for relief efforts include: water, food, medicine, blankets, mattresses, clothes, stoves, shoes, diapers, and children's items. Go to www.aidmatrix.org/honduras to contribute to the Honduran national and other regional relief efforts."
Posted On: September 7, 2007
Hurricane Felix is now headed toward the coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras and is projected to make landfall on Tuesday morning. Next in its path are Belize, Guatemala and Mexico before it is through. Aidmatrix and our partners are prepared with the network of donors, governments and nonprofits to get aid delivered as soon as possible. While we cannot predict what this hurricane season will bring, we can prepare all channels to ensure a prompt response is made for those in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors in Central America tonight.
Posted On: September 3, 2007
It's now forecast that Hurricane Dean will not land stateside. Should Dean, or another disaster hit, FEMA, many states, the major disaster-relief nonprofits, and Aidmatrix have been prepared since June 1. That day marked a turning point for the United States and disaster preparedness as we know it, since it was the activation date of the Aidmatrix NetworkT. Our system of donations management - coordinating efforts from government, nonprofits and businesses - gets the Right Aid to the Right People at the Right TimeT. FEMA recognized our capacity to engineer aid and sponsored the national, integrated Network. When Dean first stormed onto the scene, Aidmatrix was ready. Our system was in place. Donors could have clicked on one site to help those in need. Relief-responders could communicate about resources through this system. First, Alabama called. Then we heard from Texas. And Aidmatrix soon after, began working with Louisiana. But what many in America said was a close call; we simply called a dress rehearsal. So, this hurricane season will be different. We knew Dean was coming, just not when. And Aidmatrix was, and remains, ready.
Posted On: August 21, 2007
Health care continues to plague Americans as an important topic of conversation. In the pharmacy line, during coffee break, on the news - whether you get yours from print, portal or peripheral - health care and its related costs are a hot topic. Aidmatrix continues to expand our technology to assist in this arena. Through our FreeClinicLinkT we provide an efficient exchange between medical suppliers and pharmaceutical companies to donate their medicines and supplies to clinics across the states. These clinics offer free care to those without insurance and who might not otherwise receive help. Aidmatrix recently concluded a 10-week program in Texas, including adoption of this web-based tool. Results will affect the lives of 50,000 Texans. And we continue to move forward on this front. Soon, I'll have some very exciting news about Aidmatrix and innovative healthcare solutions. News you could soon read in the headlines.
Posted On: August 7, 2007
On this Independence Day in the United States we at the Aidmatrix Foundation are humbled to help so many with an independence from hunger. Worldwide the Aidmatrix solutions that connect donated product to those in need are growing and helping those less fortunate.
Aidmatrix was founded to create a greater efficiency in humanitarian giving. This year alone over 750 new charitable organizations have added Aidmatrix tools as a better use of resources to help more people. Aidmatrix is assisting other nonprofits - and private corporations - to "get the right aid to the right people at the right time."
Posted On: July 3, 2007
We have friends in high places - higher education places I mean. Northwestern University profiled Aidmatrix in its most recent Graduate Studies program in the discipline of Marketing. Dr. Clarke Caywood's students divided into four "agencies" and developed public relations initiatives for Aidmatrix based on independent research, staff-generated data and well, just pure creativity. From faith-based focus and blogging initiatives to impassioned video and expanded internet presence, the real-life solutions presented just weeks ago are already being implemented in our branding and marketing plans. Aidmatrix appreciates the dedication and work put forth on our behalf by the University, its marketing Division, Dr. Caywood and most of all, the graduate degree candidates.
Posted On: June 12, 2007
"I am thrilled to be heading into June. Not because we launch the Aidmatrix Network sponsored by FEMA for all 50 states . although that is exciting news in itself. But Aidmatrix has spent the Spring meeting with Corporations across the nation, sharing our vision and offering each a role in our quest to provide humanitarian aid to those in need. In the supply chain system, one industry plays an important part, and if a major company stepped up to be our lead partner, the chain would be complete. We have taken our mission to a premiere Company in this particular industry. I might have some great news to share soon….”
Posted On: May 22, 2007
The Aidmatrix focus has been busy at work in the health arena. Since its launch less than two years ago, our network-provided services have helped the National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) gain access to much needed supplies; some at no cost! See, for every dollar a clinic spends on medical items, if a donor offers the item at no- or low-cost, the clinics save. By pooling resources with the communication infrastructure, several clinics can make bulk purchases from supply companies. For example, Invacare Supply Group offers a blood pressure monitor to clinics at $50 a unit; normal cost is $125, with a savings of $75. Another partner, Legacy Medical International, LLC provides meters to measure glucose for free; usually costing about $100 each! Since hosting this supply management process, Aidmatrix has assisted the NAFC to reach a top, cumulative savings of more than $600,000. With the money savings, clinics put their funds to other uses and stretch their budgets even farther.
Posted On: April 1, 2007
As we head into the year's second quarter, we look forward to sunny skies and spending time outdoors. But as our summer months draw near, weather professionals also predict the darker side: hurricane season. This year the forecasters from Colorado State University published that the busy Atlantic hurricane season could bring up to 17 named tropical storms, more than half of which could become hurricane classified. Aidmatrix is here to storm track, too. Through our FEMA partnership, we are connecting states, local governments, voluntary organizations and nonprofits with the cutting-edge technology necessary, preparing for disaster relief. We put management systems in place for in-kind, financial and volunteer resource donations to reach those affected by nature's course. We can't prevent bad weather, but we can certainly provide solutions for that "rainy day." To help before it happens, click your "donate now" button on our navigation bar.
Posted On: March 1, 2007
Florida storms kill 20. Damage widespread.
The Aidmatrix Network disaster relief system is up and running to help in relief efforts. To offer support, go directly to the website.
The Aidmatrix Network is working in conjunction with State of Florida relief efforts. While the system has not been fully implemented nationally, in this case of an emergency, we have rushed the present technology into place to provide immediate support to relief workers within Florida.
The Aidmatrix Network gets "The Right Aid to the Right People at the Right Time™".
Posted On: February 5, 2007
FEMA does it right. How often have we heard that recently? Give credit to FEMA, Homeland Security, the private sector, and non profits for working together to help America. The recent designation to use the Aidmatrix Network will make donating product, time, and money all much more efficient. The 48 major charities involved with disaster assistance and recovery will be linked to FEMA and State websites – and to each other.
This is a major project that creates cooperation. The communication system being put in place is a technology communication using the web. All groups are sharing information instantly with thousands of donors and those in need.
For more information, go to our website under services, then disaster. Non profits will benefit from being a part of the system. Corporations come out ahead being able to donate wisely and efficiently, in many cases as a positive financial decision.
Want to be a part of the Aidmatrix Network? Contact info@aidmatrix.org for further information.
Posted On: January 24, 2007
Happy Holidays from the Aidmatrix Foundation. This year we have been able to help feed over 25 million hungry people. Our solutions moved medicines to 70 free clinics in the U.S., Aidmatrix has helped the Red Cross, Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, World Food Programme, food banks, and 35,000 other charities on 6 continents. To share your blessings with those less fortunate, go directly to our virtual aid drive at http://vad.aidmatrix.org/787. Thank you for caring.
Posted On: December 20, 2006
Use this link blog@aidmatrix.org to add your comments, questions, and thoughts on how we can better serve humanity
Dear Shari,
Just now as I opened my email, I saw the good message and was surprised since we had hoped that it should have come earlier than now. I am more than happy `cos we had worked together for quite sometime and for one common aim to help the poor and the needy in our society.
I wish to see you soon face to face because as far as I know, we have similar nature helping poor masses and being kind to people around us. If I save enough money, I will try to fly to germany for a brief visit-you are a star in the life of many Nigerian, from vitamin distribution to funding which this first cash gift will open road to many more to come shortly thereby justifying our effort in philanthropy.
Posted On: October 31, 2006
Use this link blog@aidmatrix.org to add your comments, questions, and thoughts on how we can better serve humanity
Receive much appreciation from us here for the work you are doing. We are all grateful to you. Thanks for linking us to the forum and setting up VAD. Otherwise we are all grateful to you and the entire Aidmatrix foundation for the work you are doing.
Ken Mongare Okongo
Founder / Executive Director
Carewell Trust.
Nairobi Kenya.
Posted On: October 10, 2006
Requests for running Virtual Aid Drives, our on-line fundraising tool, continue to come from all corners of the world. That, along with the rapidly expanding demand for us to support non profits involved with disaster assistance are soon going to require adding resources. Aidmatrix prides itself on being efficient – less than 4% of our budget is used for administration, and every $1 contributed to Aidmatrix is leveraged to provide $1000 of aid.
For ways in which you can help, please see the donations page, note the most recent story in breaking developments on Morgan Lewis with in-kind support, or respond through this blog. Your support helps more than you realize.
Posted On: September 11, 2006
Aidmatrix is now working with over 35,000 charities in six continents.
We went from five continents to six with the agreement to work with the Black River Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade in Australia.
Aidmatrix was also on high alert due to the pending hurricane. Many of our partners depend upon Aidmatrix technology to “get the right aid to the right people at the fight time”. Others are aware of our work, but wait until a disaster strikes to immediately see the need for greater efficiency and our partnership.
Posted On:
February 6, 2008 10:26 PM
Aidmatrix is now working with over 35,000 charities throughout the world to help them get "the right aid to the right people at the right time". This includes financing, supplies, and volunteers. Your thoughts, your contributions, your contacts, can help make the world a better place in which to live. This blog is designed to encourage your input. It may be suggestions on how we can make technology work better in helping those less fortunate. It may be in providing contacts of potential donors. It may be in seeking assistance for those in need, or for a charity. Please use this opportunity to help us help others.
- Governor Scott McCallum
Send your comments to blog@aidmatrix.org