The Ricky Martin Foundation Provides Humanitarian Assistance to the Youngest Survivors of Katrina.

HOUSTON -- E. A. Ollie Middle School and Madison High School, two academic institutions located in Houston that where severely stricken by hurricane Katrina, received with enthusiasm humanitarian support from the Ricky Martin Foundation.

With this donation, the Foundation concludes the relief efforts that began last September when Ricky Martin, Founder & President of the non-profit organization and Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF, visited the devastated zone.

Angel Saltos, President of the Ricky Martin Foundation, said that after their visit to The Astrodome, The Playground Center and The Texas Children's Hospital, the Foundation sent shoes, educational games, diapers and food to various centers throughout the city.

Parallel to this immediate relief response, the Foundation established a Relief Fund for the youngest survivors of Katrina. The donation was made official in a friendly ceremony where Ricky Martin, Fernando Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation, and Saltos exchanged ideas with the principals and various teachers of The E. A. Ollie Middle School and Madison High School.

"We feel very fortunate to aid the most vulnerable population. This relief effort is only achievable by forging alliances. We sincerely appreciate the support given by the private sector, The Salvation Army, local non-profits such as Saving Lives through Alternate Options (SLAO) and many individuals. We will also like to congratulate the teachers for being leaders in times of social turmoil", Martin said prior to his concert in Houston.

"As a teacher, I sincerely thank the Foundation for your support on behalf of my colleagues and students, specially the ones that underwent horrible experiences after the hurricane", said teacher Nilda S. Lopez at E. A. Ollie Middle School.

The Ricky Martin Foundation will offer economic assistance for an after-school program which includes extracurricular activities such as sports and arts at the E. A. Ollie Middle School. Whereas, Madison High School will receive economic aid to further develop a psychological support program for students who experienced trauma after hurricane Katrina.

This humanitarian initiative confirms the Foundation's commitment: to advocate for the social welfare and security of children around the world.