Disaster in Haiti

We are all aware of the mass devastation and loss of life that has occurred in Haiti as a result of the earthquake on January 12, 2010. All of us are invited to do what we can for our suffering brothers and sisters in Haiti.

What you can do in solidarity with the people of Haiti...

1. Pray - Pray for those who have lost property and belongings.  Pray for those who are serving those who are displaced from their homes because of the earthquake.  Pray for all those who have died and their loved ones who grieve for them.
2. Make a financial contribution - Donations are needed now and for the days ahead.  There are several organisations which are accepting donations toward the relief effort in Haiti. One agency which the Bishops are supporting is Development and Peace. Donations can be made online or by cheque. The weblink is Development and Peace . In addition to Development and Peace, other reputable agencies include Canadian Red Cross Canadian Red Cross; Doctors Without Borders (see Canada); Mennonite Central Committee or World Vision Canada .
3. Stay up-to-date and stay involved for the long term - Many people want to help during the initial emergency, but do not realize how much assistance and money are necessary in the longer term reconstruction - long after the crisis phase of a natural disaster. Organize fundraising events. Encourage friends and family to donate to reputable agencies involved in rebuilding an affected area. Make cash donations during holiday periods when most non-governmental organizations have fundraising drives. Learn more about disaster risk reduction and donate money to development projects that aim to reduce communities’ vulnerability to future natural disasters.

Why donate cash instead of goods?

Because cash donations are quick, efficient and adaptable. Cash donations are the fastest, most efficient way to get help to people living in a disaster zone. They allow relief agencies to purchase quickly supplies based on the specific needs of the affected population. Cash donations allow relief agencies to purchase goods and services in the affected country or neighbouring areas. Your financial contribution, in other words, is helping to 1) get aid to affected populations as quickly as possible, and 2) regenerate the local economy, which may have been seriously affected by the disaster.  In most cases, it is more cost-effective to purchase goods locally than to airlift supplies from far away, as fuel and aircraft costs can be very high. In addition, local goods can be purchased in much less time than it takes to organize the logistics of an airlift from a distant country. Culturally familiar goods can respond to humanitarian needs, as well as provide a small sense of comfort or normalcy to traumatized and displaced populations, which foreign, unfamiliar goods may not.

On January 18th, 2010, the federal government announced that, in addition to the $5 million in immediate aid to Haiti,  it would match dollar for dollar all personal contributions made to registered Canadian relief agencies.

Thank you for whatever actions you choose in support of all those in Haiti.