January 20, 2010
On the evening of January 12, 2010, a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. It is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years. The tremor struck 15km (10 miles) south-west of the capital Port-au-Prince, and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reports describe the destruction as affecting as much as 70 percent of the buildings, with debris filling the roads making emergency response difficult. The Prime Minister of Haiti reported on January 13 that hundreds of thousands of lives may have been lost.
You can help people affected by donating to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund*. Gifts to the Fund support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by disaster and to address educational, financial and health-related challenges.
United Way Worldwide members in the Caribbean region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.
Canadians are encouraged to support Red Cross relief efforts by making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111 or at any Red Cross office.
About the United Way–Centraide Movement
Next to governments, the United Way–Centraide Movement is the largest funder of the voluntary sector and social services in Canada. Each year, United Ways–Centraides raise upwards of $480 million, the vast majority of which is reinvested in local communities to support programs and services directed at improving the social conditions of Canadians.
United Ways–Centraides work to provide opportunities for a better life for everyone by working to alleviate poverty; reduce homelessness, support individuals and families in crisis; help women and children in domestic violence situations; engage youth; and reduce barriers for newcomers to Canada, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other marginalized populations; for example.
*Donations to this Fund are only accepted in $US and from holders of US credit cards.
Media contact:
MaryAnn Notarianni
Communications Coordinator
United Way of Canada–Centraide Canada
1-800-267-8221 ext. 2251