Red Cross response in Haiti

Note: The following appeal is now closed.  You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross

 

On January 12, 2010 a powerful earthquake struck Haiti and left the entire country devastated.  Millions were affected, including over 1.3 million people left homeless. The Red Cross immediately sprung into action resulting in one of the largest humanitarian operations in Red Cross history. 

Most recently, the people of Haiti have been faced a deadly cholera outbreak, a disease that is preventable but largely unknown among the population. The outbreak began in an area unaffected by the earthquake, highlighting the extreme vulnerabilities throughout the country. 

The road to recovery in Haiti will be long, but the Red Cross will be there in the months and years ahead as Haiti faces new challenges and crises, and as they begin to become stronger and more resilient.

How you can help

Donations made to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund are not only being used for earthquake response, but they are also being used to prepare for and respond to other crises in Haiti.  Donor contributions ensured that the Red Cross could respond quickly when the cholera outbreak was detected, immediately supporting treatment and prevention activities, and helped prepare communities for Hurricane Tomas and support those who were affected.

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, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111, or at any Red Cross office. Cheques should be earmarked Haiti Earthquake.

In-kind donations of food, clothing and other items, while well intentioned, are not the best way to help those in need. There are tremendous processing and transportation costs involved in shipping these items to beneficiaries. Local purchases of food and clothing are more culturally appropriate and effective. Red Cross supplies can be purchased in the immediate area, thereby reducing transportation costs. Cash transfers to the affected region provide the optimum flexibility to our Red Cross colleagues so they can meet the most urgent needs.

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