OURF Launches Emergency Giving Tuesday Appeal to Support Flood-Stricken Communities in Sumatra

SANTA MONICA, Indonesia - Dec. 2, 2025 - PRLog -- The Orang Utan Republik Foundation (OURF) today announced its 2025 Giving Tuesday Emergency Appeal, calling on supporters around the world to help communities in North Sumatra devastated by catastrophic floods—while sustaining crucial conservation and education programs that safeguard the critically endangered orangutan.

Over the past week, torrential rains triggered widespread flooding near the Gunung Leuser National Park region, destroying homes, isolating villages, and disrupting access to food, clean water, and medicine. OURF's local partner, Yayasan Sumatera Hijau Lestari (YSHL), has been delivering emergency supplies by motorcycle to families cut off by the rising waters.

"These floods are a stark reminder of how climate change is intensifying pressure on both people and wildlife," said Dr. Gary L. Shapiro, President and Co-Founder of OURF. "Local communities who live beside orangutan habitat are among the first to suffer—and our support today can help them recover while strengthening the long-term protection of the forests they share with orangutans."

Matching Gift Opportunity

A generous OURF donor has pledged a Giving Tuesday matching challenge, doubling every contribution made through the campaign's official page:
https://orangutanrepublik.org/givingtuesday2025

Every dollar donated between now and midnight on Giving Tuesday will have 2x the impact, providing emergency relief today and conservation solutions for tomorrow.

How Donations Will Help

Funds raised will support both immediate disaster relief and long-term conservation action, including:

-Emergency food, water, and medical supplies for families affected by the North Sumatra floods

-Logistical support for YSHL relief teams, including fuel and transportation

-Forest-friendly livelihood programs that help reduce pressure on orangutan habitats

-Orangutan Caring Scholarship programs that train Indonesia's next generation of conservation leaders

-Community education and outreach to build long-term resilience for humans and wildlife

A Call for Global Solidarity

Giving Tuesday—a global day of generosity—offers an opportunity for people everywhere to unite behind a common purpose. For OURF, that purpose is clear: support local people, protect forest ecosystems, and ensure that wild orangutans continue to thrive.

"Saving orangutans is inseparable from supporting the communities who live beside them," Dr. Shapiro added. "By giving today, donors are helping families recover, empowering local conservationists, and strengthening the future of Sumatra's iconic 'people of the forest.'"

How to Participate

Supporters can donate, share the campaign link, or mobilize their own networks to raise funds on behalf of OURF.
Donate or learn more at:
https://orangutanrepublik.org/givingtuesday2025