While Bush can lead a sorely needed hand to help assist raising funds, it̢۪s also important to recall the former president̢۪s legacy on the island nation.
The devastating earthquake could turn out to be a veritable disaster for the U.N., which has over 9,000 personnel scattered throughout the country.
For the UN, this will likely be the single worst tragedy in its history.
You must know already - a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti just two days ago. An estimated 3 million people have been affected by the quake. The death toll is already projected at 100,000.
I just received an e-mail from Anne Hastings, Director of Fonkoze, one of our partners in Haiti, that said, "Am ok but bodies everywhere. Destruction massive. Very little communication gets through even in country. Headquarters demolished. Need to figure out how to get operational again."
At BRAC USA, we're acting quickly to mobilize resources to support the rescue and recovery efforts and working with our two partners already on the ground. Today I ask you to please help the 3 million Haitians mourning the loss of their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. In the already poverty stricken nation, it will no doubt be the most vulnerable who suffer the most. Now more than ever, these women, children and elderly need the vital health and financial services our partners provide.
Your donation today will go directly towards our Haitian Emergency Appeal and will be on the ground in Haiti helping in the relief effort.
Please, take a moment and donate right now. And be sure to check "I want my donation to go toward Haiti relief and rehabilitation efforts."
No-one could have predicted the New Year starting off so badly in Haiti. But your donation today will give hope to Haitians and help them to overcome the hardships of this disaster.
Thank you,
Susan Davis
P.S. You may also send personal checks to:
BRAC USA
11 E. 44th Street, #1600
New York, NY 10017
BRAC USA is a legally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations made to BRAC USA are fully tax deductible with the US Internal Revenue Service.
About BRAC/BRAC USA
BRAC, the largest non-profit in the developing world, was launched in Bangladesh in 1972 and currently touches the lives of more than 110 million people through its programs addressing poverty including micro-loans, education, health services, self-employment opportunities and human rights education. BRAC's vision is to improve the health, wealth and well being of millions of the poorest families primarily in Asia and Africa. BRAC has provided $5 billion in micro-loans to nearly seven million borrowers, mostly women, and created 8.5 million self-employment opportunities. BRAC's 73,000 community health promoters have provided basic health services to more than 93 million people. BRAC USA is an affiliate supporting BRAC. To learn more about BRAC, please visit www.bracusa.org.
Fonkoze is Haiti's largest micro-finance organization with a mission to build the economic foundation for democracy in Haiti by providing the rural poor - mostly women - with the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty. To learn more about Fonkoze visit www.fonkoze.org.
Zanmi Lasante, the Haitian sister organization of the U.S.-based NGO Partners In Health, is one of Haiti's largest health care providers, serving a catchment area of 1.2 million in Central Haiti and the lower Artibonite Department. Zanmi Lasante has been working for more then two decades in Haiti to increase access to a full range of high-quality health services and to lift entire communities out of poverty through a range of social support and community development. To learn more about Partners in Health visit www.pih.org.
CNN deserves plaudits for its relentless Haiti coverage. Sanjay Gupta just interviewed President Rene Preval at the airport in Port Au Prince. The president seemed completely dazed--and it is not hard to see why. Preval himself said he hasn't slept since last night--and has no idea where he'll spend then night. Like most other buildings, his palace has been destroyed.
Another excellent Twitter account. The user posts a picture of a makeshift IDP camp.
A guide to the best ways to give aid that can go to use immediately to help save lives and rebuild from Haiti's ruins.
In announcing the U.S. response to Haiti's devastating earthquake, President Obama noted the two countries' historic ties. But few Americans know that sad history.
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