Medecins Sans Frontieres suffered damage to some of its own buildings in the earthquake that destroyed much of Haiti, including its main hospital facility and a maternity facility. It is running makeshift medical centres in tents around the capital while it attempts to locate some of its staff missing since the disaster.
You can donate to MSF’s effort in Haiti through its website msf.org.au/donate or by phoning 1300 13 60 61 (Australia only).
Save the Children has estimated that up to 2 million children have been affected by the earthquake. Many have been orphaned or lost other relatives and have been made homeless.
The charity has said cash donations are the most needed at the moment.
You can donate to Save the Children’s Haiti Earthquake Emergency Appeal at this link. savethechildren.org.nz/index.html
Australian Red Cross has also launched an appeal. The charity says the money raised will be directed to the relief and recovery efforts in the devastated capital and other areas. Specialist aid workers will also be sent there.
You can donate to the Australian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Appeal online or by phoning 1800 811 700 or by visiting redcross.org.au/Donations/onlineDonations.asp
World Vision is one of the largest relief operations on the ground in Haiti providing temporary shelters, hygiene kits, cooking sets, clothing and collapsible water containers. Medical teams from the charity are also treating earthquake victims. To donate visit worldvision.com.au or call 13 32 40 (Australia Only).
Oxfam has 100 staff on the ground in the quake zone, providing water and shelter supplies. “Any country would have difficulty withstanding this disaster, let alone one with deep poverty and minimal infrastructure,” the charity has said.
You can donate to Oxfam’s Haiti Earthquake Appeal online oxfam.org.nz/index.asp
ActionAid Australia plans to deliver emergency relief to up to 20,000, and has been working in Haiti for over 15 years and worked with 30,000 people. They have flown in reinforcements from the UK, Brazil and Guatemala to help respond to the emergency and will soon start providing basic items such as shelter, food, blankets, soap and sanitary kits for women. They will also be providing psycho-social care for people traumatised by the disaster.
You can donate to ActionAid Australia’s emergency appeal online or by phone at 1300 66 66 72 (Australian Only) actionaid.org.au
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund has also allocated $10 million in relief aid. Individuals and businesses can donate to the CERF at ochaonline.un.org. Donations can also be sent to UNICEF’s Haiti Emergency Appeal.
The headquarters of the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti was badly damaged in the quake, killing more than a dozen of its staff.
