Saturday, January 16, 2010

Tragedy In Haiti, Your Help Is Needed


*Photo source is www.cnn.com

I wanted to take some time to call your attention to the recent tragedy that has befallen the nation of Haiti. As I'm sure you are all aware, on January 10, Haiti was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale (the largest earthquake the country has seen in 220 years). As a result, the capital city, Port-Au-Prince, has been left in shambles. Buildings across the city have collapsed. The death toll as of now may be in the 100's of 1,000's. There are still many who have yet to be accounted for, buried beneath collapsed infrastructure. Most of the hospitals have been left in ruins, and many lines of communication out of Haiti have been shut down.


Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Those who have survived have been left with nothing - no food, shelter, clothing, or even drinkable water or fuel supplies.


There have been a number of fundraising efforts underway, most notably from the Red Cross (both internationally and from the neighboring Dominican Republic) as well as singer Wyclef Jean's appeal to text in donations.


Though you may feel far removed from the tragedy in Haiti, I beseech you all to help out the cause. You can make a difference. Any and all donations made to help out the relief efforts are appreciated and necessary. There are a number of organizations that have joined forces to help. Please donate what you can to help the people of Haiti. There are thousands of brothers, sisters, friends, daughters, sons, parents, and grandparents who need you. The number of children who have been left orphaned is staggering.


Here are some ways you can be involved. The following are just a few of the organizations accepting donations:

Giving Children Hope - www.gchope.org

Doctors Without Borders - www.doctorswithoutborders.org

American Red Cross - www.redcross.org, phone (800) 257-7575, or text "HAITI" to 90999 to make a $10 donation

YELE Haiti Earthquake Fund - www.yele.org or text "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5 via cell phone


Of course, there are many other groups that are involved in relief efforts. Please be cognizant of frauds! There are always inividuals who use tragedy to take advantage of others at a time of need. Be sure that your donations go to recognized agencies.


Thank you all for listening.

xoxo The Beauty Chick

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