NU Online News Service, Jan.28, 11:25 a.m.EST

A matching fund has been created for Independent InsuranceAgents and Brokers of America, Inc. employees who wish to donatemoney to assist Haitian earthquake victims, it was announced.

IIABA said its Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund, whichhistorically has been used just for domestic disaster relief, willnow have a dedicated fund for Haiti.

The "tragic consequences and enormity of need" after the Jan. 12earthquake hit that island nation, "has prompted an outpouring ofinterest in helping with the relief and recovery efforts in Haiti,"said Dave Evans, Trusted Choice executive director.

"To put the resources to the best and most efficient use, themoney collected by our dedicated Haiti fund will be donatedspecifically to help the people of Haiti via recognized tax-exemptcharitable organizations that are providing needed emergencyservices and resources in Haiti," Mr. Evans explained.

IIABA said any funds donated to the dedicated Haiti fund underthe Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund in excess of the matchedfunds allocated will still go to benefit those in need in Haiti,just without a matching grant from the Trusted Choice DisasterRelief Fund.

"The Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund allows us tofinancially assist victims when and where a disaster strikes,rather than raising the funds after the fact when each second onthe clock is so precious," said Bob Rusbuldt, IIABA president andchief executive officer.

Mr. Rusbuldt said, "Our disaster relief fund has distributedhundreds of thousands of dollars across the country in some of themost hard-hit areas, such as in the aftermath of 9/11, HurricaneKatrina and other significant disasters. The extreme andheart-breaking need in Haiti prompted a new use for this fund andI'm proud of our staff for their generosity."

Online tax-deductible contributions to the fund can be made atwww.independentagent.com by clicking on "About Us" andthen "Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund." Contributions via checkshould be made payable to the Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fundand sent to: Attn: Lillian Carter, Trusted Choice Disaster ReliefFund, 127 S. Peyton St., Alexandria, VA 22314