In the wake of a terrific tragedy, individuals, organizations and entire nations around the globe have answered the call to send aid to Haiti. People have donated to charity organizations, religious groups, and fundraising events in an effort to provide immediate relief to the countless trapped, displaced and injured in Haiti after the January 12 earthquake.
In the face of all this willingness to help, there has been considerable contention over certain groups’ contributions. Some religious organizations are even being condemned for using this crisis as a way to convert new members to their congregations. Be that as it may, I don’t believe anyone who is sending aid to Haiti should be condemned, no matter what the intentions behind the gift may be. Arguing over things like this just detracts time and energy away from the real issue of helping the people of Haiti as quickly and efficiently as possible.
That being said, I believe a more appropriate way to discuss the relief efforts is to celebrate some of the biggest heroes of the Haiti crisis.
The American Red Cross, one of the largest disaster relief organizations in our nation today, has donated millions of dollars. This is due in large part to their text message campaign, which so far has raised $25 million from cell phone users. Typically, cell phone companies wait until the next billing cycle is processed (where the $10 pledge would appear) and paid and the money would take a few months to be released to the charity. This time, however, Verizon Wireless is advancing the money from the pledges directly to the American Red Cross so it can be sent to Haiti to be of immediate help to the desperate nation. Other wireless companies have said they plan to follow suit.
And each $10 pledge is an enormous help. Spent almost immediately, $5 goes towards food and water, $3 to medical supplies, and the remaining $2 go toward logistical efforts such as deploying volunteers.
Many US celebrities have joined in the effort to raise relief funds as well. Haitian-born artist Wyclef Jean, who founded Yele, a charity for Haiti, in 2005, has set up his own mobile text message campaign through Yele in both $5 and $10 increments.
Radiohead held their own benefit concert in Los Angeles on January 24. Tickets for the intimate concert were sold in an online auction, raising $572,754 which Radiohead donated to Oxfam.
A few other celebs have gotten in on the auction action: Britney Spears is auctioning off the Versace gown she wore to the 2008 VMAs, Kate Bosworth is putting a Chloe dress up for sale, and Susan Sarandon is selling off her Dolce & Gabana. Even Pete Seeger is parting with his banjo, putting it up for auction on eBay to raise funds.
Lady Gaga is selling Haiti relief t-shirts on her site and donating 100 percent of the profits to the earthquake relief. John Travolta piloted his private jet down to Haiti, personally bringing supplies and doctors in to help. George Clooney gathered more than 100 actors and music artists together for a two-hour “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon that raised over $60 million. The CD of the telethon’s star-studded performances hit the #1 spot on the charts, and through iTunes, has raised $3 million in downloads.
So many have responded to help Haiti during this time of crisis. Celebrities, international charities, communities, and individuals have all come together to raise funds to send much needed supplies to the devastated country. Disaster relief teams, doctors, medical personnel, UN peacekeepers, military units and volunteers have responded to this crisis by heading down to where help is needed most. Everyone who is giving is doing a good thing, and there are some amazing people who have been down in Haiti rescuing survivors, or excavating bodies, distributing supplies, or giving medical aid. Everyone who donates is a hero to Haiti.
Don't know where to donate? Use this charity navigator to find a charity that you can be sure will use your money to help the earthquake relief.
Source: BecauseAction.com
