Disaster Relief

Hurricane Mitch

Hurricane Mitch, which struck in October of 1998, was a disaster of monumental proportions for the Nicaraguan people and tested the effectiveness and resolve of W/NP. With more than 35 years of experience in Nicaragua, W/NP was in a unique position to collect and distribute materials in a timely fashion. Its established network was crucial to the success of the relief effort and its response was immediate.

From its office in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, W/NP handled the logistics of coordination, documentation, and international shipping. Initially, cash donations were easiest to manage, but quickly the collection of goods and materials began in order to embark on the process of reconstruction. Over 110,000 pounds of materials valued at nearly $800,000 were shipped within a relatively short period of time. Additionally, more than $150,000 in cash donations was collected. The relief effort dominated the activities of W/NP for many months; th e work was intense and the hours were long, but the dedication shown by the participants was exemplary.