It is hard to believe that several months have passed since the now infamous Haiti earthquake destroyed the lives of so many. On January 12, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the western coast of Haiti. Buildings all over the Haitian capital of Port au Prince collapsed, killing thousands and trapping thousands more. It's estimated that three million people were affected by the disaster, and 200,000 have been left homeless. Chaos descended in the city, as survivors desperately search for food, water and shelter amid the rubble.
The response of the local and international Red Cross was immediate. Over 900 International Red Cross workers from nearly 60 different countries, including Canada, have been deployed to Haiti. More than 7,000 tonnes of Red Cross relief items have arrived in Haiti or Dominican Republic. Over 1.8 million litres of water is being produced and distributed each day.
Over $187 million has been received by the Canadian Red Cross from generous individuals, corporations, provincial and local governments and the Government of Canada to support Red Cross efforts in Haiti.
Hundreds of school groups throughout Saskatchewan, including many in the Yorkton region, raised money to support Red Cross relief in Haiti. Recently, Michael Pasloski, the Red Cross Community Outreach Coordinator for Yorkton and area, took the time to visit several schools in person to thank and recognize them for their donations.
"These students wanted to make a difference in the millions of lives that have been affected by this tragedy," said Pasloski. "We just wanted to say thanks for their efforts and let them know their generosity in fact made a difference."
The Red Cross is making sure that the compassion and generosity of local residents translate into clean water, warm blankets, shelter, and medical attention for those most in need. Donations will also contribute to the reconstruction of Haitian communities in the difficult years ahead.
To follow the progress of Red Cross' Haitian relief efforts, visit www.redcross.ca/haiti2010.
