Several UK charities have launched appeals to raise money to support people affected by the earthquake in Haiti.
Haiti was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake earlier this month, killing at least 2,200 people, as well as destroying homes and infrastructure.
The Disasters Emergencies Committee (DEC), which exists to co-ordinate large scale response on behalf of its 14 members during a humanitarian crisis, says it is monitoring the situation.
A statement on the charity’s website says: “Our member charities’ local staff and partners on the ground are closely monitoring the situation and are among those responding to help save lives and provide emergency relief.”
It directs people to emergency appeals launched by its members: ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International, Christian Aid, and Concern Worldwide.
Meanwhile, a number of other charities which operate in the area have launched their own appeals.
Mary’s Meals
Yesterday, Mary’s Meals, which runs projects providing meals to school children launched an appeal.
The charity has operated in Haiti for 15 years and is now helping partners deliver emergency ration packs to people in the worst affected areas.
Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, says: “Before the earthquake hit many communities in Haiti were already vulnerable, as the country struggles with ongoing political unrest and extensive long-term damage from previous natural disasters. This latest catastrophe has left hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need.
“Alongside our incredible local partners, as funds allow, we will do all we can to reach as many people as possible with essential supplies at this heart-breaking time. We are grateful for the generosity of those who can help us reach families who are struggling to survive in the aftermath of this devastating situation.”
World Jewish Relief
Last week World Jewish Relief opened an emergency appeal and said it was working with a local partner, Haiti Survive, which is “on the ground assessing the extent of the damage and beginning to deliver critical assistance”.
Funds raised from its appeal will go towards food packages, clean safe drinking water, and temporary shelters.
All We Can and Methodist Church in Britain
All We Can and the Methodist Church in Britain have launched joint appeal in a bid to deliver support as quickly as possible.
Graeme Hodge, chief executive of All We Can, said: “Our joint response with the Methodist Church in Britain, to deliver life-saving inputs through local partners who are there already, means aid can be deployed quickly. The first five days after a quake are when lives are saved, or lost. We’re speaking with local actors now, and invite anybody wishing to support the response to give now.”
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