Update: July 25, 2019
We hear from Save the Children's response team and learn about how doctors and medical professionals were able to use the LuminAID lights sent to Mozambique in their clinics following the cyclone. Read more.
Chicago, IL (April 4, 2019): Shark Tank solar start-up LuminAID has partnered with international humanitarian organization Save the Children to provide solar light and power for the humanitarian response to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. LuminAID and corporate partners have donated 2-in-1 solar phone charger lanterns to Save the Children’s Cyclone Idai relief operations. The LuminAID solar lights will go a long way in providing safety and comfort to the thousands who have been displaced by the extreme flooding.
Cyclone Idai began battering the southeastern coast of Africa on March 15, when it made landfall near Beira in Mozambique. Torrential rain continued after the cyclone weakened and dissipated, causing widespread flooding and stranding people on high ground for days.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, Cyclone Idai has the potential to become one of the worst weather-related disasters in the Southern Hemisphere, and death tolls continue to climb. The United Nations estimates that 1.85 million people have been affected in Mozambique alone.
“Over two weeks have passed since Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique, but its devastating impact continues,” said Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children.
“Children and families, many of whom have been forced from their homes and schools by the destruction, face a long road of recovery. Save the Children is grateful to LuminAID for generously donating solar phone charger lanterns. Their bright light will provide safety and comfort to those who need it most.”
The LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Phone Charger is a multi-function solar lantern and phone charger that LuminAID released in 2017. The shipment of lanterns arrived in Mozambique this week, where they will be distributed to families by Save the Children. The PackLite Max 2-in-1 Phone Charger functions both as an ultra-bright utility light and a waterproof solar phone charger that can be used to charge cell phones, which are essential for communication after a disaster.
LuminAID Contact: press@luminaidsales.com
Save the Children Contact: media@savethechildren.org
About LuminAID
When we think of our most basic human needs, we often think of food, water and shelter. But when architecture graduate students Anna Stork and Andrea Sreshta were asked to design a product to assist post-earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, they considered the dangerous conditions at night in the tent cities and turned their attention to another critical need: light. They designed the LuminAID light to be easily distributed in time of need by packing and shipping flat. In 2015, Anna and Andrea went on the hit TV show Shark Tank, and wowed the "Sharks" so much that they got offers from every Shark. They accepted an offer from Mark Cuban, and he became the company's first investor. Since then, LuminAID has continued to innovate, and in 2017 released dual solar phone chargers + lanterns. Learn more at luminaid.com/about
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
This press release can be downloaded here.
