Help Pakistan-
A Special Message from the IEEE President to IEEE Members

16 August 2010

Dear IEEE Members:

Earlier this year the IEEE Community responded with generosity and compassion to the devastating earthquake in Haiti by donating to an IEEE fund established through the IEEE Foundation. Today, as the world begins to realize the significance of the recent massive flooding in Pakistan, IEEE is responding to the need for international support and has established the IEEE Pakistan Engineering Educational and Professional Development Rebuilding Fund. IEEE volunteers, members, staff and friends are encouraged to contribute to this fund. IEEE will match the first US$50,000 in donations.

Pakistan's worst floods in recorded history began in July in the mountainous northwest and have spread throughout the country. According to recent reports, some 20 million people and 62,000 square miles (160,000 square kilometers) of land — about one-fifth of the country — have been affected.

You may contribute to the IEEE Pakistan Engineering Educational and Professional Development Rebuilding Fund online through the IEEE Foundation or by check to IEEE Foundation – Pakistan Fund. Checks should be mailed to the IEEE Development Office, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Donations from IEEE organizational units (societies, sections, conferences, etc.) can be made using existing governance processes.

Fund disbursements will be managed by the IEEE Region 10 Director in consultation with the leadership of the IEEE Sections in Pakistan and the Region Committee. According to IEEE policy, the disbursements may be in the form of grants to academic institutions, charitable organizations, or used for such things as equipment, services, scholarships and classroom and laboratory materials. They also may be used to support programs developed for retraining or other professional activities to help engineering and technology professionals.

We are hopeful that your generosity will support the IEEE commitment to humanitarian efforts of rebuilding affected areas in Pakistan. Together, we increase the impact of our contributions with the IEEE US$50,000 dollar-for dollar match. Members who wish to support immediate relief efforts are encouraged to work through an established organization of their choice.

For more information or questions regarding the IEEE Pakistan Engineering Educational and Professional Development Rebuilding Fund please contact the IEEE Contact Center.

Sincerely,
Pedro Ray
2010 IEEE President and Chief Executive Officer