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01/14/2010 12:42:54 PM · #1 |
Devastating Earthquake Hits Haiti
Heart broken seeing these pictures and knowing I cannot be there to help out in person, I was searching for ways to help out remotely (hoping my contribution does not become part of the bonus check for a manager in some Non-profit).
One of the ways I found was Doctors without Borders for Haiti
... I didn't see any threads started on the tragedy yet, and having seen how helpful the DPC community has been in past I thought I will share this
Do share if you have found a better means of reaching out!
ETA : From their website
We have three hospital structures—a trauma center and a maternity hospital included—and nearly 800 staff on the ground in Port-au-Prince. Those facilities structurally had been so badly damaged we had to evacuate patients out of those facilities onto the neighboring grounds. But we’ve been able to set up some tented first-aid centers during the day today. Those centers obviously have been overwhelmed, exhausted already. Our teams have treated more than 1,000 wounded people, including open fractures and other injuries, at our makeshift facilities in the capital.
Message edited by author 2010-01-14 12:49:05. |
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01/14/2010 12:57:10 PM · #2 |
Devastating heart breaking disaster. Truly awful. I hope aid is as quick as possible getting to them. Here is a link to some other ways to help and donate..
The one thing i'm trying to avoid is looking at any links to the predictable obnoxious hate spouted by certain fundamentalist right wing Christians. I can never understand how some people can be so utterly evil.
Thanks for the link to Doctors Without Borders. I've made a donation through them.
Message edited by author 2010-01-14 13:00:06. |
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01/14/2010 02:25:17 PM · #3 |
Thanks Clive for posting that link - Its an amazing resource for helping out.
Even though I have experienced an earthquake first hand and seen how badly disaster strikes - I can't imagine the crisis in Haiti considering that the place where I am from was relatively much better equipped to handle a disaster as compared to a place like Haiti.
Something else I came across if you were planning to send help packages : Help with money, not stuff
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01/14/2010 03:29:13 PM · #4 |
The red cross is another organization. Be careful if looking at some of the smaller organizations as the scammers are out in force taking advantage of the situation.
Message edited by author 2010-01-14 15:29:44. |
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01/14/2010 03:35:11 PM · #5 |
| Mission Aviation Fellowship is another legit organization. |
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01/14/2010 03:38:14 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by cpanaioti:
The red cross is another organization. Be careful if looking at some of the smaller organizations as the scammers are out in force taking advantage of the situation. |
This is a heartbreaking story of pain and suffering. I have noticed in the news how Christian Aid and others are collecting to bolster funds to help with this natural disaster. However, there was one disturbing item on the news that made me reconsider donating via the aforementioned Christian Aid.
The report, on BBC News this morning showed people at the airport trying to board a plane to escape the carnage, who were they?? Christian Volunteers!! Surely, they of all people should be staying to help. They should be practising what they preach.
I will donate what I can, but via Red Cross.
Message edited by author 2010-01-14 15:39:08. |
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01/14/2010 04:08:15 PM · #7 |
SteveJ -- I didn't see the story you referenced, so I don't know the particulars, but there are a lot of variables to consider. If they were short term volunteers, they may have to be back at work or they get fired. Their visas, etc. could be expiring. They are volunteers, and if they don't have at least some planning or preparation in dealing with disaster relief, they could be more in the way than a help. There are a lot of reasons they could be trying to leave the country -- not just escaping.
OTOH, I know several groups (Christian and other) that three days ago had no plans to go but are now scrambling to get there as quickly as possible. |
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01/14/2010 04:13:51 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by karmat:
SteveJ -- I didn't see the story you referenced, so I don't know the particulars, but there are a lot of variables to consider. If they were short term volunteers, they may have to be back at work or they get fired. Their visas, etc. could be expiring. They are volunteers, and if they don't have at least some planning or preparation in dealing with disaster relief, they could be more in the way than a help. There are a lot of reasons they could be trying to leave the country -- not just escaping.
OTOH, I know several groups (Christian and other) that three days ago had no plans to go but are now scrambling to get there as quickly as possible. |
I agree with what you are saying, but if I found myself in that situation I would stay and help in anyway I could, even if it was just ripping rubble with my bare hands. Bugger work, visa etc. Human life is more important than any other reason they had for leaving. I seriously doubt anyone would be checking their visas at this moment. Surely there is some sort of help they could offer, even unpacking and distributing tents, blankets etc.
I don't want this to turn into a rant about this, just my personal feelings on the matter. |
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01/14/2010 04:21:02 PM · #9 |
And you may be completely correct. I was just trying to offer reasons why it might not be as it appears.
It's fine to say "bugger work, human life is more important" and on the surface that is true. But, if it were my husband down there, and he got fired because he didn't get back to work, then the "ripple effect" is disastrous as well. Without a job, there is no money. No money, there is no way to help. Jus' sayin'.
So, yeah, they *may* have been "escaping," but they may also have perfectly legit reasons for doing what they are doing. Without having all the details, I wouldn't want to pass that judgement, and if I thought they would do the most with the money I gave them, or if that was an organization that I supported, or if that was the organization I chose to go with, I would let this one instance deter me from giving.
Fortunately, there are many other agencies that are willing to take your money to help, so it is kinda a moot point. :P |
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01/14/2010 04:39:49 PM · #10 |
In Australia another way to donate is
Save the Children
Edit to say - I'm pretty sure they are a worldwide organisation with NO religious affiliation.
Message edited by author 2010-01-14 16:44:04. |
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01/16/2010 02:24:35 PM · #11 |
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01/16/2010 03:05:31 PM · #12 |
it's impossible to watch! :-(
terrifying disaster, I also will send the money through some association, along with a prayer. |
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