EUGENE, Ore. -- (Oct. 20, 2010) -- The University of Oregon is teaming up with St. Vincent de Paul Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, to collect outerwear items for people in Pakistan affected by the recent devastating flooding. Following a similar humanitarian effort five years ago when a powerful earthquake hit the region, the Eugene/Springfield community is encouraged to participate in "Parkas for Pakistan."

Spearheaded by UO international studies professor Anita Weiss who is an expert on Pakistan and travels there frequently, the UO will host two days of collection of much-needed items. Parkas (of course), jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, warm pants, blankets, sleeping bags and plastic sheeting material that are collected will be sent to Pakistan to support recovery efforts.

"The floods in Pakistan have directly affected 20 million out of the country's total population of 175 million. Winter is on its way and clothing and blankets are in desperate need," said Weiss. "The U.S. government and European governments are providing funds to address emergency needs, but there's more we all can do to provide the most-needed necessities now, such as blankets and coats, which are just not available in the marketplace at any cost."

Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. donations will be accepted at the UO Athletics Department Moshofsky Center on Leo Harris Parkway. The O Heroes student athletes will team up with St. Vincent de Paul volunteers to accept donations.

Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to tipoff of the UO women's basketball at approximately 7 p.m., donations will be accepted on campus at University Street just south of Mac Court and next to Howe Field. St. Vincent de Paul will be joined by students from the UO Holden Leadership Center to collect donated items.

Everyone who donates items can receive a voucher for free admission to the UO women's basketball game vs. Willamette University, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., in appreciation for the donation.

"We prepare students to be citizens of the world and this is an opportunity for our students and the entire community to come together," said UO President Richard Lariviere. "I've spent considerable time in the region of the world near Pakistan and the people of Pakistan have been and are suffering from natural and man-made ravages. I encourage anyone who can to help in this effort."

St. Vincent de Paul has been collecting items since September. The organization has collected two tons of donations to date and looks forward to a boost from Duck supporters.

"Sometimes we lose sight of how much we really are connected to our global family," said St. Vincent de Paul's Executive Director Terry McDonald. "We welcome support from the Duck family as well as families in the wider community to reach out to folks in Pakistan, sharing what we have in a time of their great need."

A list of St. Vincent de Paul donation centers is available at: www.svdp.us.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Julie Brown, UO media relations, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu; Rebecca Larson, St. Vincent de Paul public relations, 541-687-5820 x121, rlarson@svdp.us

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