MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
At IRT, our mission and focus is to alleviate human suffering by aiding victims of disasters and building healthy communities. In times of disasters, we rely on partnerships with other international organizations to achieve maximum impact with your donations. In this way, we establish clear and appropriate roles, avoid duplication of efforts, and maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of our response.
To build healthy communities, we strive to partner with local organizations who better understand the political and cultural landscape of a country or region, and the complexities of the local humanitarian sector. These partners include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), professional medical societies, health ministries, and local health facilities—all of whom are invested and motivated to improve the health and well-being of their communities.
This year, as I think about all that we have accomplished together—more than $33 million in food, medicines, and relief supplies delivered (the most in our 27 year history), and hundreds of volunteers mobilized—I am overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion of our partners and supporters.
I am particularly proud of our “Healthy Baby” program in Vietnam, in which skilled volunteers train physicians in the skills they need to save the lives of newborn babies who have trouble breathing.
Vietnam has seen a significant decrease in newborn deaths over the last decade, and I believe IRT has contributed to that progress. I am also very proud of our Better Vision – Brighter Future program, which provided more than 1,700 eyeglasses to children so that they could learn in school, and to adults so that they could maintain their livelihoods and provide for their families.
Since 1988, we have helped millions of people in crisis in 68 countries, and for the last twelve years we have been ranked a four-star charity (the highest rating) by Charity Navigator, the largest independent evaluator of U.S. charities.
Looking ahead, we will continue to assist low-income and elderly victims of Superstorm Sandy in New Jersey, helping them get back into their homes; expand our “Health Baby” medical training program in Vietnam; and deepen our efforts to reach children and adults living in remote regions without access to vision care. Here in San Diego, we will seek new ways to meet the needs of vulnerable women and children.
As you read this report, I hope you will be inspired and motivated to participate in our ongoing efforts, whether as a donor or volunteer, and that you will appreciate the significant role you have in making this work possible.
Thank you for your continued support as together we help make the world a better, more equitable place.
With deep gratitude,
Barry La Forgia
Executive Director