Mother Nature Awakens Charity Worldwide After 2010 Haitian Earthquake

Haiti, meaning "mountain country¹" is situated within the Caribbean hurricane belt. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with the vast majority living in abject poverty. Neighboring Jamaica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, the country is no stranger to natural disasters. After four tropical storms in 2008, their transportation and agricultural resources were severely impaired.

On January 12, 2010, they suffered catastrophic damage from a 7.0 Magnitude earthquake with 14 aftershocks between 5-5.9 magnitudes. Port-au-Prince, a city of 2 million, was left in shambles. The emergency response was very delayed due to damages done to communication systems, transportation and hospital facilities. Haitians water pipes were destroyed and thousands are without homes or medical assistance to care for injuries caused by the massive quake. A 6.1 aftershock occurred on January 20, 2010 while aid struggles to deliver aid.

Close your eyes for just a few seconds and imagine a death toll of 200,000 (the approximate number found dead six days after the devastating quake). After just 2 days, bodies begin to decompose and smell. Picture the mass graves and cremation as the crews transport bodies to be burned by the thousands.

Mind you, burnt flesh does not smell nice either. I experienced it in 1995, when I served in the USAF, after a plane crashed due to geese and caught fire on impact. I worked in the hospital and was put on 'detail' to transport the charred bodies from vans to the x-ray department. I was spared the sight but will never forget the smell.

Easy ways to give aid to Haiti after the 2010 Haitian Earthquake
You will find Haiti earthquake disaster relief collection cans at local grocery stores, day care centers, retail stores, schools and universities. Small gifts, like emptying your change from you wallet, go a long way. Everyone worldwide should have or adopt that mentality.

American Red Cross

Geisinger Health System, the non-profit organization I work for in Danville, PA, Montour County, has donated $30,000 to the American Red Cross for Haiti recovery efforts.

Go to redcross.org and choose "Haiti Relief and Development" donation. Your financial contributions to ARC are tax-deductible but most importantly, you will be making a difference. In a country that is used to living on the equivalent of a $1 per day, think of the difference we could make if everyone gave just a $1.

Texting is perhaps the easiest and most convenient way to donate recovery funds. Simply Text "HAITI" to 90999. You will be charged $10 from your cellular phone provider and the donation will go to the Red Cross for Haiti earthquake relief. Verizon, AT&T and other cell providers have announced that they won't charge message or data fees for your donation. You should check with your carrier to confirm.

The Salvation Army

I love The Salvation Army; they are mobilizing personnel and supplies to assist in the relief effort in Haiti. Donations can be made on their website, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or texting. Mobile phone users in the United States can text the word HAITI to 52000 to donate $5.

Water is lifesends small, portable devices that provide pure water for one year. Think about how often we take water for granted. "Save the life of a child for one year - only $10. Currently all funds donated will go to help in the relief efforts in Haiti."

World Food Programme "Fighting hunger worldwide"

Source:

1.) Leyburn, James G. The Haitian People, 1941, 1966