“Complete And Utter Chaos!” - Eyewitness
Update: According to a Red Cross official, Haiti’s devastating earthquake has left an estimated 3 million people in need of emergency aid. Much of the world is putting aside political differences and rushing to help. Countries pledging their immediate support in terms of personnel, cash and supplies to Haiti include the United States, Iceland, Britain, France, Canada, Germany, China, Mexico and Venezuela.
The Face Of Haiti - Source: AP
Once again, natural disaster has brought its wrath to Planet Earth; this time it is Haiti that must bear the brunt of nature’s fury. An earthquake registering 7.0+ on the Richter scale has devastated the tiny Caribbean country. Once again, America’s heart opens to the victims. We will respond as we always do: with compassion and utter disregard for politics.
As demonstrated by the diverse countries responding, this is no time for politics. These are innocent people who are suffering now. Children, babies. Parents, the elderly. Hospitals and clinics where they might seek medical treatment have vanished into the debris.
The call has gone out to the world for help. As is usually the case in times of turmoil, America will lead the way in aid to Haiti. And President Obama has stepped up to pledge assistance from the American Government.
Still, it is often the private sector from which much of the aid comes. We are Americans… it’s what we do.
If you’re asking, “How can I help?” the following is a list of various organizations whose charters are to provide aid and comfort. I would advise you to look at each one before determining, for yourself which organization is likely to have the most direct impact on the people in Haiti who can only turn to the outside world in this time of utter need.
Click on the following links for more information on each organization:
• International Medical Corps
• Direct Relief International
• World Vision
• International Relief Teams
• Yéle Haiti
• American Red Cross
• Operation USA
• CARE
• Catholic Relief Services
• World Food Programme
• World Concern
• Save the Children
• UNICEF USA
List source: CNN.com
Keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers in this time of need and desperation.
Gerry Ashley
[...] of Port au Prince alone; that’s 12 times the entire population of Cape Cod. Here’s a great link that contains a list (with links) to trustworthy aid organizations. Onward… Don’t [...]