The world responds

Written by lee, 2 comments

As the true level of devastation is reported from Haiti we now see the international relief response gear up. Yesterday news reports were somewhat speculative due the lack of communication available from Haiti but yet again Twitter provided news agencies and the general public with a glimpse into the horror unfolding. At times I was glued to the updates from Richard Morse as he tweeted updates of what he experienced and tried to assist people from around the world find news of loved ones.

Social media again allowed news to filter quickly to the wider world and provide information on how to assist. With the realisation that the poorest country in the Western hemisphere was in dire need many individuals, aid organisations and NGO’s began to set up dedicated relief funds.

Again these are being widely shared across social media sites. Musician Jean Wycleef immediately began calling for assistance for the www.yele.org foundation appeal and the message spread across the web like wildfire.

Danny Brown’s social awareness and online fundraising programme 12for12k have partnered with Hope for Haiti and are currently engaging their network of bloggers with donation widgets.

Today two appeals launched at Givealittle and are now being shared across a number of social media sites with widgets and share tools.

GVN Foundation Director Colin Salisbury will travel to Haiti in March and distribute funds from their relief fund directly on the ground to partners assisting with rebuilding and rehabilitation. GVN Foundation is also seeking expressions of interest from volunteers who may like to assist in the recovery.  The relief fund launched mid morning with the page link immediately communicated by GVN Foundation to their networks and as I write this blog in the early evening the donation total is about to roll over $5,000.

The New Zealand Red Cross are assisting the efforts with a public appeal and pledging $50,000 from the disaster relief emergency fund and our Government has pledged $1 million in support.

Both the New Zealand Red Cross and GVN Foundation guarantee that 100% of the donations received will go directly to the efforts in Haiti.

Reports continue to highlight the extent of damage, the need for emergency response resources and concerns about the lack of water, medical supplies and food. As the world comes to Haiti’s aid it is heartening to see so many people getting behind the effort online whether by donating, sharing news and spreading the world about the many options to financially support the people of Haiti.

Let’s hope we can all do our small part to help heal Haiti.

Tags: Caribbean, Colin Salisbury, emergency appeal, GVN Foundation, Haiti, Haiti earthquake, international aid, New Zealand Red Cross, Twitter