The American Red Cross Serving Central Oregon

American Red Cross - Pyromid Fund

March 5, 1999

Dear Mr. Hait:

During the past few weeks, I have been in contact with State, National and International staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to establish quantities of the 12-inch PYROMID stoves needed for immediate use in disaster relief operations worldwide.  Our first urgent request is for 15,000 PYROMID stoves for use in Central America.  Specified donations to the Red Cross PYROMID Fund in the amount of $825,000 are required to fill this immediate and urgent request.

Timely funding is paramount to meet the basic human needs caused by Hurricane Mitch, such as cooking and the purification of drinking water.

The PYROMID Fund has a unique opportunity to have an International impact on the lives of tens of thousands who are annually affected by natural disasters. Help Can't Wait. The preparedness element of the PYROMID Fund will be of great value for future catastrophic events.

The stoves will be distributed directly to those that need it most.  This safe, versatile and compact stove can be easily stored and cost effectively distributed in volume. PYROMID'S durable all stainless steel construction will help individuals and families years into their recovery process.  Because the stove is fuel independent, there is no on going logistical need for one specific fuel. Furthermore, the efficiency of the PYROMID will conserve limited natural "fuel burning" resources in the immediate disaster stricken area.

The Red Cross is evaluating operational demands for your stove throughout the United States and the World. I anticipate having specific quantities and locations in the next few weeks where PYROMID stoves would be staged and distributed in the event of annual worldwide catastrophic disasters.

I want to congratulate PYROMID for the development of this vitally needed versatile product and for your personal support of the Red Cross PYROMID fund. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The Red Cross is not a federal agency; it receives no funding from the government. Disaster relief is free and is a gift from individuals, corporations, civic groups and foundations that turn their concern for victims into action by making contributions to the Red Cross. Because of our not-for-profit 501c3 status, donations are tax deductible.  As additional information or requests come in from National and International offices, you will be contacted immediately. I look forward to working with you and to the success of this program. If I can be of further assistance,  I can be reached at (541) 382-2142 (see note below).

Sincerely,

Dave Richardson
Executive Director
Help Can't Wait A partner with United Way

Note: Dave Richardson has moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming and is the CEO of the Red Cross in Cheyenne. He can be reached at 307-637-5242.