The current disaster in Haiti feels very close to home for two reasons: I live in the Caribbean and Haiti, although not an immediate neighbour, is a neighbour nonetheless. I also met many Haitians during my frequent stays in South Florida. Some became my friends, and several characters in my second novel, which is set in Miami, are reflections of these very real people.
When this type of disaster strikes the worst feeling is the helplessness. So many people want to do something, but aren't sure how to go about it.
MSNBC has posted a list of links to charitable organizations active in Haiti. One of them, Yele Haiti, is the brainchild of Wyclef Jean. You can text Yele to 501501 to donate $5 via your cellphone. Another option for anyone interested in helping immediately is to text HAITI to 90999 and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.
7 comments:
Having been through a major disaster of widespread impact, I'd like to urge your blog friends to donate sooner rather than later if they want to help. Money will be needed in Haiti for a long time to come, but right now is the neediest time, with basic necessities such as potable water and shelter in short supply.
This is brilliant and I am sure it will help raise funds quicker than any other method.
I tried to text the phone numbers but the SMS failed so I decided to donate via MercyCorps using Amazon Payments.
Thanks for posting this Lianne, it is heart breaking and, as you see, easy to feel helpless.
I saw on the news last night, groups of our fire fighters were going out there to offer help.
More is needed, much more, but by blogging, tweeting etc. we can spread the word.
It is such a dreadful situation and I'll definately be donating. All those poor people. I saw a little on the news when I came back from work and couldn't believe the devastation.
It all looks terrible and so utterly unexpected. Thoughts are with everyone out there.
Thanks, guys. I know when we all do our little bit it does indeed make a difference.
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