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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 105-11
April 1, 2011

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND SPEAKER QUINN ANNOUNCE NEW PAYROLL DEDUCTION PROGRAM FOR CITY EMPLOYEES TO SUPPORT JAPAN RELIEF EFFORT

Donations will go to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City

Mayor's Fund Raised a total of $2.2 Million for Haiti Relief Efforts

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn today announced that employees of the City of New York will be able to set aside part of their paychecks directly to aid in the Japan disaster relief efforts. The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City will ensure 100 percent of the contributions through the program are directed to reputable organizations that are providing relief in Japan. The Mayor’s Fund raised $2.2 million for Haiti relief efforts, including dollars raised through a similar employee deduction program. The Mayor and Council Member Mathieu Eugene unveiled the new program on the Mayor’s weekly radio show on WOR Radio early this morning.

“We brought generous New Yorkers together to raise $2.2 million for Haiti relief and we are asking anyone who can contribute to help those in dire need in Japan,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The Mayor’s Fund will complete the necessary vetting and ensure contributions will go to reputable organizations with low overhead that are delivering services on the ground. Any help is appreciated – big gifts or small gifts; it all adds up and can make a real difference.”

“As Japan copes with the aftermath of the massive earthquake, many New Yorkers want to demonstrate that we support humanitarian efforts to help Japan,” said Speaker Quinn. “This automatic payroll deduction program is a simple and efficient way to do that. It’s an opportunity for those of us who are lucky enough to live and work in the most diverse and culturally rich city to give back.”

“When last year’s earthquake struck Haiti, New Yorkers came together to offer their assistance and support for the country’s relief efforts,” Council Member Council Member Mathieu Eugene. “Now, we must once again come together and support Japan during this critical time of need. I urge everyone to help contribute by donating to humanitarian aid groups currently working on the ground and by enrolling in the voluntary payroll reduction if you are employed by the City. This is an important opportunity for us to make a difference and help send relief to Japan.”

The new City payroll deduction program will begin with the paychecks and direct deposits issued on April 15, 2011. All City employees who wish to participate may donate a specified amount of money from each paycheck earmarked to further Japan relief efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and subsequent events. These tax-deductible deductions will run for two months spread over four pay periods.

City employees and any New Yorker that wishes to contribute can visit www.nyc.gov or call 311 to learn more about how to help.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser / Jason Post (Mayor)   (212) 788-2958

Jamie McShane / Kim Thai (Council)   (212) 788-7116



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