On Saturday, January 28th, our first and long-time board Chair, Dr. Paul F. O’Rourke, passed away. Paul helped establish Operation USA (then known as Operation California) as an an agile, effective relief agency which could immediately respond to disasters in many of the world’s most dangerous places.
He traveled with us to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, [...]
Dear Friends,
None of us is unaffected by the challenges of our current economy. Those of us at Operation USA know we are asking for your support at a difficult time. But, people’s needs here at home and around the world only continue to grow. With charitable giving to meet basic needs down the world [...]
LOS ANGELES, CA (Nov 2, 2011)
Multiple tropical storms and heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and the Philippines. As many as 900 deaths have been reported and the flooding is affecting an estimated 9 million others. Thousands of houses, entire towns and villages, and hundreds [...]
SITUATION REPORT
SOUTHEAST ASIA FLOODS
October 28, 2011
Since July, multiple tropical storms and heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, and the Philippines, resulting in approximately 900 deaths, affecting an estimated 9 million others, and inundating thousands of houses and acres of cropland. To date, floods [...]
MSN Money
Invest in Yourself: Starting a Charitable Foundation
Doing good in the world is equal parts vision and hard work. Find out how CEO Richard Walden got Operation USA off the ground MSN Money profiles OpUSA as part of their series “Invest in Yourself”.
WATCH HERE.
Julie Andrews will be honored at this year’s Princess Grace Awards Gala with the Prince Rainier III Award, a kudo given to prominent creatives whose career has included both artistic achievement and significant humanitarian work.
Andrews has a long history of charity work, particularly on behalf of orgs that tackle international issues. She’s a founding board [...]
Operation USA is proud to share this good news from our friends and long-time partner in Port-au-Prince, L’Athletique D’Haiti.
From Boby Duval, LADH:
“A group of young women organized by L’Athletique D’Haiti beat overwhelming odds to win the Women’s Plate in Paris. First, the team almost did not make it to the tournament for which they had [...]
Like you, Operation USA is closely monitoring reports of Hurricane Irene’s path of destruction as it makes its way north. 65 million people are in its path.
We want you to imagine that you are here with us at Operation USA headquarters in Los Angeles as we watch the storm–and prepare to be useful in the [...]
BOEING DELIVERS RWANDAIR’S FIRST 737 BOEING SKY INTERIOR
RwandAir becomes first African carrier to own and operate 737 with Boeing Sky Interior
Boeing, RwandAir and Operation USA partner to deliver 1,500 school books
SEATTLE, Aug. 25, 2011– Boeing today delivered a Next-Generation 737 with the new Boeing Sky Interior to RwandAir, making it the first African carrier [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULIE ANDREWS, OPERATION USA FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER APPEALS FOR SUPPORT FOR EAST AFRICAN DROUGHT & FAMINE VICTIMS
LOS ANGELES, CA (August 15, 2011)— A message from Julie Andrews, Operation USA Founding Board Member:
“Like many of you, I’ve been watching the developing story of yet another famine in East Africa. The images of mothers walking [...]
East Africa is currently experiencing the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years. The UN has officially declared famine in parts of southern Somalia—regions of Lower Shabelle and southern Bakool. It is predicted that the entire south of Somalia will face famine within the next two months. Operation USA is working to assess [...]
2011 has been an exceptionally destructive and deadly year for tornadoes–the deadliest year for tornadoes in the United States since 1936. Worldwide, at least 560 people perished due to tornadoes—546 of those in the United States, due in large part to several extremely large tornado outbreaks in April and late May.
Operation USA has worked [...]
Operation USA is focusing on providing safe (e.g., purified) water to refugees from Somalia languishing in the world’s largest refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya, and to internally displaced drought victims in southern Ethiopia. We are working with local partners including Oxfam America and Africa Humanitarian Action, an Ethiopia-based Pan-African NGO. Both are excellent NGOs and [...]
For Immediate Release
OPERATION USA TO AID DROUGHT RELIEF EFFORTS IN EAST AFRICA
FAMINE CONDITIONS DECLARED BY UN
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 21, 2011)—Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will send emergency aid to East Africa as part of relief efforts responding to the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years. [...]
We are moving!
As of July 11, Operation USA can be found at the following location.
Please make note of our new address and phone numbers:
Operation USA
7421 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
tel. 323.413.2353
fax. 323.931.5400
With many thanks!
Operation USA has been designated the official charity beneficiary of the Karma Foundation’s 6th Annual Kandyland Party. Held Saturday, June 25, this exclusive star-studded event was a great success.
To learn more about the Karma Foundation, visit:
www.thekarmafoundation.com
Julie Orlov
THE PATHWAY TO LOVE
A book launch event to benefit Operation USA’s women’s programs
Operation USA gives special thanks to author and relationship builder Julie Orlov, and our board member Jeff Franklin, for hosting this benefit event.
Julie’s passion for helping people create relationships in their lives that work is both inspirational and practical. The afternoon event [...]
MATERIAL AID SHIPMENTS: 2011
From antibiotics to vitamin A, water purifications tablets to surgical packs—Operation USA has been delivering material aid in the form of donated medical supplies and equipment, medicines and vitamins, education and shelter materials to people in need from its earliest days forward.
A cornerstone of our work, Operation USA is proud of [...]
On March 11, a 9.0 earthquake struck Japan. The most powerful recorded earthquake in Japan’s history struck 250 miles north-east of Tokyo—and generated a 10-metre-high tsunami that swept away everything in its path, triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami alert and raised fears of a nuclear catastrophe from damaged power plants.
The Japanese National Police Agency has [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE BIRD AND THE BEE
A BENEFIT FOR OPERATION USA
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
AT THE BOOTLEG THEATER IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles, CA (April 20, 2011)—Operation USA today announced that The Bird and The Bee will perform at the Bootleg Theater on June 4th in Los Angeles, with proceeds to benefit Operation USA’s disaster relief work around [...]
For Immediate Release
RHYTHM & SOUL FOR RELIEF: Concert for Japan, Haiti & the World
Featuring Dilated Peoples, Breakestra, Very Be Careful, Boogaloo Assassins & Others
The Echoplex on Sunday, May 22, 2011
All Proceeds Donated to Operation USA
Los Angeles, CA (April 8, 2011)—The Echoplex will host the inaugural Rhythm & Soul for Relief: Concert for Japan, Haiti & the World on Sunday, [...]
For immediate release
SNOOP DOGG TEAMS UP WITH NEFF HEADWEAR TO RAISE MONEY FOR OPERATION USA’S RELIEF EFFORTS IN JAPAN WITH
“SNOOP DOGG X NEFF JAPAN TEE”
LOS ANGELES, CA (March 21, 2011)—Music legend, Snoop Dogg and lifestyle brand, Neff Headwear have teamed up in efforts to raise money for those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPERATION USA PREPARES EMERGENCY AID FOR JAPAN FOLLOWING 8.9 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE
LOS ANGELES, CA (UPDATE: March 18, 2011)—Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA is currently preparing aid to Japan following the earthquake and tsunami that hit last week.
Operation USA is working to address immediate needs for material aid in the face of the [...]
Japan • Earthquake & Tsunami
Situation Report
15 March 2011
This report is produced by OCHA. It was issued by the Regional Office in Asia Pacific with input from the UNDAC team in Tokyo. It covers the period from 14-15 March.
HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
• There has been a third explosion at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant
• Radiation [...]
For Immediate Release
OPERATION USA AND HONEYWELL INAUGURATE THE LARGEST SCHOOL IN SOUTHEAST REGION OF HAITI
Nine-Building, 40,000 sq. ft. Complex, Serving More Than 400 Local Children, Rises Just Seven Months After Groundbreaking Following Devastating January 2010 Earthquake
JACMEL, HAITI (March 11, 2011) — Honeywell (NYSE: HON) Chairman and CEO Dave Cote and Honeywell Hometown Solutions President Tom [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HAITI—ONE YEAR LATER:
OPERATION USA CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO RECOVERY AND EDUCATION
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 6, 2011)— As the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti approaches, Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA reaffirms its dedication to recovery in Haiti, and specifically the City of Jacmel. Construction continues at the site [...]
Operation USA is proud to share news of the day—and honor for our CEO Richard Walden.
from SecondAct
15 TOP GAME-CHANGERS OF 2010
By David Ferrell|
December 23, 2010
They are game-changers. They are changing ideas about what is possible. They are taking on society’s biggest, most intractable problems and, against all odds, making a huge difference.
13. Richard Walden
Walden, a [...]
Summer 2010. Unusually heavy monsoon rains hit Pakistan—and bring the country its worst floods in recorded history. 20 million people were impacted—more than a tenth of the population.
Homes, roads, bridges, crops and livestock were washed away. The flood ploughed a swathe of destruction from northern Pakistan to the southern province of Sindh. The floods ravaged [...]
Blake Edwards
1922-2010
December 15, 2010
Legendary writer-director Blake Edwards passed away this morning at age 88. The filmmaker was regarded as a modern master of contemporary film comedy and will be remembered through his more than 50 movies, including THE PINK PANTHER series, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES and 10.
Beyond his films, Blake was [...]
Haiti • Cholera
Situation Report
16 November 2010
Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Situation Overview
The Ministry of Public Health (MSPP) reports the latest statistics on the cholera epidemic as 1,034 deaths and 16,799 hospitalised cases according to data collected up to 14 November. To date, cases have been confirmed in the [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPERATION USA MOBILIZES TO SEND EMERGENCY AID AS HURRICANE TOMAS HITS HAITI
LOS ANGELES, CA (November 5, 2010)— Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA continues to provide support to partners on the ground in Jacmel and Port-au-Prince to alleviate damage and suffering from the arrival of Hurricane Tomas. The storm began to [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPERATION USA MOBLIZES TO SEND EMERGENCY AID AS TROPICAL STORM TOMAS APPROACHES HAITI
LOS ANGELES, CA (November 4, 2010)— Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will provide support to partners on the ground in Jacmel and Port-au-Prince to alleviate damage and suffering as needs arise from the projected impact [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN HAITI: OPERATION USA READIES AID
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 28, 2010)— Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will direct sanitary and disease prevention materials to partners in the City of Jacmel and Port-au-Prince in response to the cholera outbreak that brought over 300 deaths and as many [...]
For Immediate Release
OPERATION USA PREPARES AID SHIPMENT FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS IN THE PHILIPPINES
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES IN RESPONSE TO TYPHOON MEGI JOIN SHIPMENT SCHEDULED FOR MANILA
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 18, 2010)— Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced that it will ship emergency aid to the Philippines in response to flooding caused by Super-Typhoon Megi. As [...]
Operation USA, its staff, its board and its thousands of supporters wish Julie Andrews a very happy 75th birthday.
For over 31 years, Julie and her family have been essential to Operation USA’s very existence. Julie was attracted to our small relief group at the very beginning and for the purest of reasons—she wanted us [...]
On February 27, a massive 8.8 earthquake—and ensuing tsunami—hit Chile. Although the epicenter was out at sea, 150 KM from the town of Concepcion, the strong shocks were felt throughout the entire country and many areas of the Southern Cone. The most affected areas are Valparaiso, Santiago, O’Higgins, Maule, Biobio and La Araucania, where over [...]
SITUATION REPORT: PAKISTAN, MONSOON FLOODS
September 1, 2010
Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
The Government now reports that over 18 million people have been affected by the floods. The death toll stands at 1,667. Over 1.2 million houses have been damaged or destroyed. Floodwaters are receding in many areas, and though there are [...]
CHENGDU, CHINA EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY PROJECT:
September 2010. Operation USA opens second school in China: Honeywell BaoHe Village Primary School.
NEWS RELEASE: Global architectural firm Gensler donates design for Operation USA’s school rebuilding project in Jacmel, Haiti.
Operation USA and Honeywell announced today the ground breaking for a public school, Ecole Nationale Jacob Martin Henriquez in Jacmel, Haiti.
RWANDA READERS
BOOK DRIVE FOR RWANDA
Los Angeles book drive: Ongoing at the OpUSA office through early October
Join Operation USA in supporting the first public library to be built in Rwanda, Africa. Donate new and used books today!
In 1994, Rwanda experienced a genocide in which approximately one million Rwandans were killed. Through the establishment of the Kigali [...]
Monday, June 28th
Harmony for Haiti ~ A Benefit Concert
Featuring performers from Broadway, Recording Artists, and Grammy Award winners. A Silent Auction with high-end goods & services will be held prior to the concert at 6:00pm.
100% of the proceeds from this concert will be donated to Operation USA’s Haiti Earthquake relief efforts including the school rebuilding [...]
OSCAR-WINNING FILMMAKER BLAKE EDWARDS’ ARTWORK TO EXHIBIT AT LESLIE SACKS FINE ART GALLERY
June 8-26 Exhibit Proceeds to Benefit Operation USA’s Haitian Quake Relief Fund
Academy Award winning filmmaker Blake Edwards’ artwork will be exhibited at Leslie Sacks Fine Art in Brentwood from June 8 through June 26. This exhibition, entitled Lenses, will feature a selection of [...]
St. Damien is the only free pediatric hospital in Haiti. Run by Father Rick Frechette, an American doctor and community organizer who’d been working in the slums of Port-au-Prince for over two decades, he and his small team have also built an orphanage, medical clinics, alongside St. Luke’s, a network of neighborhood schools.
OpUSA has partnered [...]
The morning of October 8, 2005, a 7.6 earthquake hit Pakistan—leaving more than 80,000 dead, over 100,000 injured and 3.5 million homeless in northern Pakistan and Kashmir, the region divided between India and Pakistan.
Operation USA responded to the disaster rapidly with an airlift of medical supplies. Additional support was provided to rebuild homes, a prosthetics [...]
Lives in Limbo: Re-Imagining Structures and Standards in Refugee Camps
Rockefeller Foundation, New York
April 2, 2010
This conference brings together experts in engineering, design, humanitarian programs, public health, and human rights to re-imagine the modern refugee camp. Based on Operation USA’s thirty years experience with refugee populations across the globe, the conference will center on the [...]
March 26, 2010—The USA Rice Federation announced today that Operation USA has been chosen as the beneficiary of $15,850 worth of rice purchased with funds donated during a monthlong USA Rice fundraising drive for humanitarian–relief efforts in Haiti. Operation USA assists developing communities in the United States and abroad in addressing problems relating to natural [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ENERTOPIA CORPORATION DONATES WATER PURIFICATION
UNIT TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF HAITI
LOS ANGELES, CA (March 22, 2010)—Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that Enertopia Corporation (Enertopia / Over The Counter Market: GLCP) is donating a solar powered water purification unit to provide a semi-permanent drinking water solution for thousands of [...]
Comunicado de Prensa:
EN VISTA DEL RECIENTE TERREMOTO DE 8.8 GRADOS
OPERACION USA MANDARA AYUDA DE EMERGENCIA A CHILE
LOS ANGELES, CA (Sábado, 27 de Febrero, 2010) – Operación USA, una agencia humanitaria basada en Los Ángeles, anuncia hoy que mandara suministros médicos a Chile como parte de la respuesta humanitaria tras la devastación del terremoto.
El terremoto [...]
In 2008, named the
“#1 Exclusively Privately Funded Charity”
by Charity Navigator.
Co-recipient of the
1997 Nobel Peace Prize as part of “The International Campaign to Ban Landmines”