Former US presidents come together to help hurricane victims

Image
Press Trust of India Houston
Last Updated : Sep 08 2017 | 2:57 PM IST
Five living former US presidents have joined forcesto urge Americans to contribute to a fund that will be used to help those devastated by Hurricane Harveyin Texas and Louisiana.
Presidents George HW Bush, Barack Obama, George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter united to promote the charitable fund 'One America Appeal' that will aid the victims of Harvey.
Current US President Donald Trump yesterday tweeted his endorsement of the programme, saying that he stands behind the leaders and their efforts.
"We will confront ANY challenge, no matter how strong the winds or high the water. I'm proud to stand with Presidents for #OneAmericaAppeal,' Trump wrote.
The group have reached out to American citizens directly to donate to the rebuilding efforts, which at this point are estimated to cost USD 180 billion.
"People are hurting down here, but as one Texan put it, 'We've got more love in Texas than water'," George W Bush said in a video.
An account was made through the George HW Bush Presidential Library Foundation to collect donations - all of which will be given straight to the Houston Harvey Relief Fund and Michael Dell's Rebuild Texas Fund.
The appeal ensures every penny will go to helping hurricane victims.
"Hurricane Harvey brought terrible destruction, but it also brought out the best in humanity," Clinton said in the video.
Following Harvey's destruction, hundreds of people banded together to rescue residents stranded by the floodwaters.
Houston Texans star JJ Watt raised USD 27 million for Harvey relief in just a few days, and helped distribute donated supplies at a local centre.
The 'One American Appeal' will expand to help Irma victims, too, once that damage has been surveyed.
The Category Five hurricane has devastated the Caribbean and caused states of emergency in Puerto Rico, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
The five former presidents announced the programme during the National Football League's season opener on NBC.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 08 2017 | 2:57 PM IST

Next Story