Stories from the field
Haiti Diary: Chiran Livera
Departing
February 5, 2010
When I was told I would be deployed to Haiti to support Red Cross relief efforts there, I was thrilled. Since the earthquake struck on January 12th, I have been working night and day in Ottawa to support my Red Cross colleagues in Haiti. Now I will be able to experience first-hand how Red Cross relief efforts are making a difference in Haiti.
I was in Sri Lanka in 2004 when the tsunami struck. It was devastating, and I immediately joined International Red Cross efforts to help out. I know how important it is to be there for survivors from the first day and throughout the months and years that follow. It'll be one month since the earthquake struck soon, and I know that the critical emergency needs remain immense.
I'm looking forward to working alongside the Haitian Red Cross. The stories I've heard about their passion, dedication and commitment to the Red Cross mission inspires me and I'm certain that witnessing this will have a lasting impact on me both professionally and personally.
I'm also looking forward to speaking with survivors; to addressing their needs in person and doing what I can to help. I depart on February 6th.
Chiran Livera is a Program Officer for the International Emergency Response team at the Canadian Red Cross. A Simon Fraser University alum, he is trained in humanitarian relief management in complex emergencies and also has a facilitation background in international humanitarian law, armed conflict and active global citizenship. Chiran joined the Canadian Red Cross as a youth volunteer in 2004 and he will be in Haiti for three months to assist with shelter assessment initiatives and distribution of relief items.
