SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kohli Foundation,
founded in 2005 by Tej Kohli, a noted entrepreneur from Costa Rica, urges
people to help provide immediate relief for the Haitian earthquake by making
donations, but only through legitimate organizations such as the Clinton Bush
Haiti Fund (Clintonbushhaitifund.org) and the American Red Cross. The
foundation is concerned about recent evidence of fraudulent pitches for
disaster assistance. Also avoid the text and SMS forms of donations. While
there appears to be no fraud in sending money through these means, it can take
up to 90 days before the funds reach the end source through intermediaries.
Approximately 2 million people live in the capital of Haiti and the
surrounding areas where the earthquake struck. The American Red Cross is now
estimating that 3 million people are affected by the disaster, with reports of
terrible destruction, widespread chaos and overcrowded hospitals. The Tej
Kohli foundation feels that it is incumbent upon each of us to give, however
little, to those affected.
"This is a tragedy of epic proportions that has affected millions of
people in ways very few of us can imagine." says Kohli. "Unfortunately, with
these kinds of catastrophes, there is always the possibility of a secondary
tragedy, and that is relief scams."
The foundation is stressing the importance of following the FBI's recent
advisory, which includes:
-- Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, and do not
click any links contained within those messages.
-- Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving
victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking
sites.
-- Verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various
Internet-based resources.
-- Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who
solicits contributions: Providing such information may compromise your
identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
-- Choosing the right organization such as the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and
the American Red Cross will ensure the money gets to Haiti, already one of the
poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. These organizations have well-
organized distribution systems that can immediately deliver aid.
The Tej Kohli Foundation is a non-profit organization striving to improve
the lives of impoverished children. With the cooperation of more than 50
volunteers, the foundation started in Costa Rica, where it worked to reduce
illiteracy and poverty. They are currently planning to launch several health
and education projects in India, especially in the slum areas. The foundation
runs on the belief that the desire to help others, regardless of your
background and circumstances, is a basic human drive, which when harnessed
correctly, can provide inestimable benefits to those who receive it.
SOURCE Tej Kohli Foundation
