Responding to the Crisis in Haiti
Calvert Encourages Associates and Investors to Aid in Haiti Relief Efforts
1/15/2010
We are all saddened by the tragic circumstances in Haiti following the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake earlier this week. Calvert encourages its associates to consider charitable gifts to qualified non-profits which will be matched up to $500. While the immediate focus is on providing much needed emergency medical and humanitarian relief, we are also heartened to hear comments by United Nations leaders, former President Bill Clinton and others identifying the hope that over the long-term, the Haitian people will be able to see this earthquake as a critical turning point in the development of their country.
As sustainable and responsible investors, we encourage all governments, NGOs and private companies who are involved in reconstruction efforts to operate with an eye toward fairness, justice, opportunity and long-term sustainability. After Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf region, Calvert created a set of business guidelines to help guide reconstruction efforts. We are currently examining how these might be applicable to the long-term situation in Haiti as well.
Additionally, Calvert investors will be heartened to know that certain Calvert funds may invest up to one or three percent of assets into the High Social Impact Investments (HSII) program, which channels investment capital to nonprofit organizations with the goal of ending poverty through investment. Organizations in Haiti will be considered as part of this program going forward. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the Calvert Foundation Web site where you can see a page that provides referrals to relief organizations well positioned to receive donations and to deploy assistance immediately to the Haitian people. Additionally, we would encourage investors to consider the Calvert Foundation Community Investment Note, through which investors can support organizations that lift people out of poverty through microfinance.
The Calvert Social Investment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, legally distinct from the Calvert Funds and Calvert Group, Ltd.
Calvert Foundation offers the Community Investment Note, which is subject to certain risks, is not a mutual fund, is not FDIC or SIPC insured, and should not be confused with any Calvert Group-sponsored investment product.
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