Deaths, destruction, and now hope. Since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti this is what has been going on. The death toll in Port-Au-Prince alone has reached 150,000 people. Hundreds of thousands are homeless. There is a glimmer of hope for Haiti though; organizations all around the globe are providing relief efforts for the people and families of Haiti.
The United States government alone has raised about $100 million dollars and 10,000 troops to send to Haiti. The American Red Cross has sent an additional $147 million in an effort to relieve Haiti. The Partners in Health have raised about $25 million and the U.S. fund for UNICEF has raised about $22.5 million.
Celebrities have even tried to help. On January 22, in a telethon called “Hope for Haiti,” over one hundred actors, musicians and celebrities were there to answer phones and perform. George Clooney hosted the event with musical highlights like Jay-Z, Rihanna, Bono, Chris Martin of Coldplay, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow and Keith Urban. “Hope For Haiti raised a total of $61 million from this telethon.
It’s not only large organizations that are donating to help Haiti though. Local groups, churches, and schools are trying to help out as well. S.E. Gross middle school is having fundraisers like the “Hats For Haiti” fundraiser, and a “Share Your Souls” shoe drive. Central School is working with New Hope Mission International to provide funds for Haiti. Brookfield United Methodist Church is collecting monetary donations and other supplies to send to Haiti.
Riverside Brookfield is also working to help out Haiti. Throughout the week of January 25th to January 29th, Student Association and National Honor Society have been collecting monetary donations to provide for the people of Haiti.
Although Haiti was hit hard by the earthquake, the efforts to help provide relief have been constant. As long as people continue trying to help this critical situation there is still hope for Haiti.
