#4973: FONKOZE press release (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Merrie Archer <MArcher@nchr.org>


Fondasyon Kole Zepol

							Contact:	Ms.
Dominique Claude
	
1-800-293-0308

HAITI'S ONLY NON-PROFIT BANK FOR THE POOR
OFFERS LOW-COST FINANCIAL SERVICES

NEW YORK CITY -- Haiti's only non-profit bank for the organized poor invites
you to a Press Conference on Friday, September 1st at the National Coalition
for Haitian Rights.  Fonkoze representatives Ms. Dominique Claude and Ms.
Anne Hastings will explain how Haitians can send money to friends and family
in Haiti through its money transfer service, "Ayiti Direk Direk." City
National Bank of Newark, a partner with Fonkoze and one of the nation's
largest African-American banks, will also be attending the press conference.

More than 500,000 Haitians live in the metropolitan New York area and most
remit funds home on a regular basis.  Now, more Haitians are using "Ayiti
Direk Direk" because it is inexpensive, quick, safe and provides
personalized service with money deliveries to all parts of the country,
including Lagonav.  Furthermore, using this service helps to promote the
economic development of Haiti. 

"Ayiti Direk Direk" costs less than commercial firms because Fonkoze is a
non-profit organization.  Fonkoze encourages "unbanked" Haitians here and in
Haiti to open an account in order to eliminate expensive fees.  If you open
a Fonkoze savings account, you earn interest and you are only required to
deposit 100 gourdes ($5 U.S.).  By opening the account, you are not charged
expensive money transfer fees.  Although "Ayiti Direk Direk" has been used
successfully for years by many Haitians, as well as religious and community
groups, this is the first public announcement.

DATE:	Friday, September 1, 2000
TIME:		9:30 a.m.
PLACE:	National Coalition for Haitian Rights   (212) 337-0005
		275 Seventh Ave., 17th Floor   (bet. West 25-26th Sts.,
Manhattan)

Refreshments will be served.  Please call to confirm your attendance, or
send an e-mail RSVP to: fundnotice@aol.com

#     #     #