Two weeks ago, a devastating 7.0+ earthquake struck Haiti, a country I visited just five months ago, outside of its capital, Port-au-Prince. The whole world is aware of this disaster, but I feel especially close to it as I made friends with many Haitians during my time there. So many Haitians lived with nothing already; the earthquake will ensure that the road to recovery and development is even more challenging for these people.
They need support. They need aid in many forms from all over the world and in mass quantities. While EOS International is not currently working in Haiti, I pledge to do what I can to support remotely by creating awareness about the severity of this issue and letting people know what they can do to help. Financial contributions to aid organizations with people already on the ground in Haiti are most helpful now. Here are three links to websites with more information and links to these organizations:
- http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/
- http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/01/haiti_earthquake_how_to_help_a.html
- http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/
Second to financial contributions, creating further awareness and encouraging people to do their part is something each of us can do to reach out to those Haitians who survived this disaster.
Haiti already had many challenges facing it and after the destruction to Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Leogane, and the villages in between, the road ahead will be tough. It literally will take the whole world coming together to help rebuild this nation. Food and water will be short for a long while to come.
Haitians are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They share what little they have and are grateful for even the fact that you came to visit, to learn about their country, culture, and history. They are hard working and humble. Their country will never be the same. Please do your part today, and in the coming months and years, to help rebuild this nation.
Keep the support flowing their way,
Greg