Relief efforts en route to Haiti
Posted Jan 14, 2010 05:34:38 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Some Canadian aid is flowing from Waterloo Region.
The Red Cross and Mennonite Central Committe have begun to co-ordinate relief efforts for Haiti following Tuesday’s devastating earthquake.
The Red Cross has released $200,000 from its International Disaster Relief Fund in order to provide immediate support in Haiti, where tens-of-thousands are feared dead.
Karen Charles, Southwest Regional Manager for the Red Cross’ Disaster Management Program tells 570 News survivors are in immediate need of essentials such as shelter, clothing and clean water. She says providing those necessities can save lives.
Rick Cober-Bauman, Executive Director with MCC tells 570 News while they are not the Red Cross, they work as a “second line” of defense and will remain in the devastated area long after the first responders leave.
He says water and basic medical care is the first wave of response but the MCC takes a longer term vision and gets involved in housing and reconstruction. Cober-Bauman says the agency has been in Haiti for more than 80 years and this is by far the worst disaster ever witnessed. He says the best way to help right now is through a financial donation.
The United Nations is also releasing 10-million dollars in emergency funds, and Canada has committed an immediate five-million dollars.
A Canadian military transport plane arrived in Port-au-Prince yesterday with an assessment team, and a C-17 cargo plane took off from C-F-B Trenton this morning loaded with a helicopter, personnel and tonnes of equipment, food and water.
Two Canadian naval ships will also head for Haiti today with another helicopter, chainsaws, generators and more relief supplies.
If you have relatives in the affected area and can’t reach them, call the Department of Foreign Affairs: 1-800-387-3124.
To donate to the Red Cross click here, or call 1-800-418-1111. You can also send a cheque by mail or call the local Red Cross office at 519-742-2785.
To donate to the Mennonite Central Committee click here or call: 1-800-313-6226.
To donate to the Salvation Army click here or call: 1-800-725-2769.
To donate to World Vision click here or call 1-800-268-5528.
