Haiti earthquake
Haiti needs your help
On January 12, 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the western coast of Haiti. Buildings all over the Haitian capital of Port au Prince collapsed, killing thousands and trapping thousands more. It’s estimated that three million people have been affected by the disaster, and 200,000 have been left homeless. Chaos has descended in the city, as survivors desperately search for food, water and shelter amid the rubble.
Our response was immediate, thanks to hundreds of local volunteers with the Haitian Red Cross—many of whom lost loved ones. Since the earthquake struck, more than 400 International Red Cross workers have hit the ground in Haiti (including 12 trained emergency response workers), along with 70 tons of food, water and medical supplies. More aid is arriving every day.
The Canadian Red Cross is mobilizing to support relief efforts in Haiti—providing medical support, clean water, food and shelter to people who have lost everything.
We also need to look beyond immediate relief, to the Haitian people’s longer-term needs as they recover from this enormous tragedy and begin to rebuild their communities. Aside from the human toll—which continues to climb—this earthquake has robbed hundreds of thousands of people of their homes and livelihoods, in a country that is already the poorest in the western hemisphere.
How you can help
Canadians are encouraged to support Red Cross relief efforts by making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111, or at any Red Cross office. Cheques should be earmarked Haiti Earthquake.
