The Freeplay Foundation is delighted to announce that two-time Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks, and Freeplay Foundation ambassador, is kick-starting a Haiti Humanitarian Radio Relief Fund for earthquake survivors in Haiti.

Access to information is critical both during an emergency and in reconstruction. Although often overlooked, news and updates from local and international sources is an urgent need, along with water, food, shelter and medical attention. Radio stations are broadcasting and our radios will help aid agencies, the UN and the government get essential information to the population.

The Lifeline radio is one of the most successful aid-only products in history and is robustly engineered for harsh conditions. With AM/FM and short-wave bands, it will pick up both local and international stations and with its excellent sound quality, large groups will be able to hear it clearly. It operates on solar energy coupled with a fail-safe winding mechanism.

Working with credible local partners, the radios will be distributed to shelters, schools, churches, health clinics and wherever people are gathered.

©Marco Dormino/The United Nations

Tom Hanks joins the Freeplay Foundation in asking you to help get Freeplay solar-powered and wind-up radios to the Haitian people for the days and months ahead. You can also make a one off donation for any amount by visiting the Haiti Humanitarian Radio Relief Fund page.