Haiti Post-Earthquake and How You Can Help
- Author: Faith-Ann Young
- Posted on: Friday January 15, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- Filed under: exclusive, haiti, news, aid effort, air relief, haiti survivors, earthquake, wyclef
On this site, we typically focus on brand-spanking new music, fashion, art, and sports trends - as well as news and info on Justin like this funny video one of Justin being creatively autotuned, etc. Throughout, our tone is typically chipper, fun, optimistic. Because we have a lot of fun doing what we do.
However, today, as the news, images and videos continue to flood in from Haiti since the immensely powerful 7.0 earthquake on Tuesday, we can't help but devote at least one post to the heart-wrenching reality on that tropical island. As of today, morgues are full, bodies line the streets, the hospitals are inadequately equipped to help those in need (if not in shambles itself), and survivors are screaming in the streets for food and water. Meanwhile, the 72-hour window in which people are likely to be found alive under rubble has passed. Relief efforts continue hit severe roadblocks: no communication, no electricity, planes can't land, trucks carrying aid relief can't or aren't seeming to make it to the much needed city centers, etc.
It's Friday, and we continue to sit here - like we did yesterday and the day before - watching awe-shocked at videos like the one below, wondering what we can do? Are you too?
AP video from Haiti:
In terms of donations, here are some quick solutions:
The American Red Cross continues to take donations at 90999 (Text the word “HAITI” and an automatic $10 donation is made.) So simple. Within two days, the Red Cross raised over $5 million!
Also, Musician Wyclef Jean's foundation is collecting donations. Text the word “Yele” to the number 501501. (MTV reports Wyclef's Yele Haiti relief fund has topped $2 million. More info and news at www.yele.org)
Asides from fiscal support however, our seeming inability to provide constructive assistance is frustrating. We will remain tuned to the news, hoping these humanitarian organizations figure out long-term solutions quickly in order to aid the survivors, execute fair, secure methods to distribute much needed food and medical supplies, dispose of bodies in safe, respectable yet swift manner to prevent spread of disease, and help Haitians recuperate from this crisis as civily as possible.
In the meantime, if any of you wish to share your stories, information, advice, or perspectives- if you work at an aid organization or know of one we didn't mention, if you are Haitian or simply have fond memories of the country or its people, or if you simply want to share your equal frustration or feelings of hopelessness - we'd love to hear from your comments and input.
OK now we're going back to posting fun videos and news clips to make you smile. But throughout, our thoughts and prayers are going out to those in Haiti.
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COMMENTS
“ jt mentions this very well that disaster haiti we must do our utmost with them, it seems little we can do is better than doing nothing. ”
“ Justin, you have such a gracious heart that led me to fall in love with you in the first place! ”
