The Vodafone Albania Foundation, supported by Vodafone Albania Sh.A. and The Vodafone Group Foundation confirms that it will make a combined donation of 30,000,000 Albanian Leks (ALL) in response to the needs of the community affected by the recent explosions in the Gërdec village on 15 March. Sixteen people are died in the explosions; 300 people have been injured and many have lost their homes. Twenty-four million ALL (equivalent to approx. 200,000 EURO) will be provided by Vodafone Albania and approx. 6 million ALL (£40,000) from The Vodafone Group Foundation. The funds will aid victims of the disaster and will be distributed through local initiatives which are in the process of being identified.

In view of the current emergency situation, the Vodafone Albania Foundation has formally requested an assessment of needs to identify areas where funds can be directed to aid those in the community who require immediate help.

Commenting on the situation, Mr. Thomas Papaspyrou, Chairman of the Vodafone Albania Foundation Board of Trustees, said: "Hundreds of Albanians have been affected by these explosions and need urgent humanitarian assistance. We hope this contribution will help those most in need."  Vodafone Albania's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Haris Broumidis, expressed his sympathy to the people affected by the explosions and added: "I would like to confirm Vodafone Albania's support towards the community affected by this tragic event."

The Vodafone Group Foundation, along with its network of local foundations including Vodafone Albania Foundation, is committed to providing assistance in the area of disaster response. Its main aim is to develop partnerships that enhance long term disaster response and preparedness activity, working with organizations such as the United Nations Foundation, Télécoms Sans Frontières, Oxfam and MapAction. It also seeks wherever possible to make a direct contribution in response to critical humanitarian crises.

The Vodafone Group Foundation has invested over £100 million in projects since its creation in 2002 concentrating on disaster relief, helping disadvantaged children via sport and music initiatives and specific projects across Vodafone's 23 local Foundations worldwide.

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +355 4 23 83 268/7
Fax: +355 4 23 83 33
e-mail: foundation.al@vodafone.com
anisa.kaltanji@vodafone.com
www.vodafone.al