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15-01-10 20:10
Haiti Relief Efforts & Volunteer Opportunities
The countless victims of the earthquake in Haiti will need all of our help in relief and rebuilding efforts. At present, we have been informed that instead of sending members to assist the people of Haiti are in need of donations in the form of food, water, medicine and monetary donations. To address this need the NYC District Council has organized a food drive at the Council offices at 395 Hudson Street in NYC.
The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry has identified the Flatbush Caton Market to serve as a drop off point for bottled water, emergency medical supplies and non perishable foods. The Market is located at 814 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. (Corner of Caton Avenue). For more information you can call (718) 834-4544.
District Council Representative Carlisle Paul is also working with our members and the Haitian community to organize volunteer opportunities for those members who would like to volunteer. For more information please contact Brother Paul at 917.533.7379.
Below is a list of additional organizations accepting donations to help the people of Haiti. As more information becomes available to us we will continue to update this list.
•The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (CBHF) was established to assist the people of Haiti as they rebuild their lives and country. Presidents Clinton and Bush oversee the CBHF through their respective nonprofit organizations, the William J. Clinton Foundation and Communities Foundation of Texas. To donate visit their website or text the word "QUAKE" to 20222 to donate $10 to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, charged to your cell phone bill.
•The American Red Cross expects to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. You can donate through their website or by texting the word "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 that will be charged to your next phone bill.
•The Salvation Army has staff on the ground already and is in need of additional donations. Donations can be made online, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by texting the word "HAITI" to 52000 to donate $10 to the relief efforts, charged to your next phone bill.
•UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.
•International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. Donate to the International Medical Corps through their 24-hour hotline at 800-481-4462.
•Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover. Donate to Oxfam America online.
•The International Rescue Committee is deploying an emergency response team to Haiti to deliver urgent assistance to earthquake survivors and to help overwhelmed local aid groups struggling to meet the immense emergency needs. They will focus on critical medical, water and sanitation assistance. Donate to the IRC Haiti Crisis Fund.
•United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is the UN's humanitarian fund responding to emergencies like the earthquake in Haiti. Donate online.
•AmeriCares has pledged $5 million in aid in the wake of the catastrophe and is sending an emergency shipment with $3 million worth of medicines and supplies for earthquake survivors. Donate online or call 1-800-486-HELP.
•Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR; PO Box 2669; Portland, OR 97208.