There's
no doubt in my mind that you've heard, seen and read of the tragedy in
Haiti that jeopardizes the country. The recent estimates from the Red
Cross are that 45,000 to 50,000 people have died, and those that remain
face living conditions that we cannot begin to comprehend. Hospitals,
government buildings, homes, orphanages, and Port-au-Prince's air
traffic control tower have collapsed or badly damaged. While Haiti has
seen devestation and hardship many times, the 7.0 earthquake that shook
this poverty-stricken country this week is cataclysmic in impact. More
than 3 million people will be affected.
People around the world have watched Haitians suffer and are stepping up to help. The list of countries, organizations, businesses and individuals who are helping is long and growing. For those of us that want to help, there's many ways to do so but I want to share one special option with you today.
No matter how you're going to help Haiti pull through this tragedy, I hope that you'll do a little homework or make sure that your "trusted friend" has. While it's unthinkable that someone would take advantage of this situation for their own profit, we've already heard of a few scams out there. We all want our hard-earned money to go right to those who need it.
People around the world have watched Haitians suffer and are stepping up to help. The list of countries, organizations, businesses and individuals who are helping is long and growing. For those of us that want to help, there's many ways to do so but I want to share one special option with you today.
Bill and Mary Pierznik began the process of adopting their son, Richelor, from Haiti in early 2007. They have visited the country a total of more than 12 times but upon their first visit they were captured by the plight and spirit of the Haitian people. Since then, they have established Mangrove Fund to focus exclusively on support for Haiti.
Since the tragedy they have focused Mangrove exclusively on relief efforts. They audit every dollar that they spend and keep zero money for administrative costs meaning 100% of all funds go to Haiti. Their plan is to split relief money between immediate assistance (such as food, shelter and water) and longer term issues (such as preparing the rural areas for the inevitable human migration out of Port-au-Prince).
Bill and his team at Mangrove Fund are coordinating with people on the ground in Haiti to ensure that the funds raised are sent directly to the organizations leading the recovery efforts. This coordinated effort will make sure that those in need get help. And fast.
No matter how you're going to help Haiti pull through this tragedy, I hope that you'll do a little homework or make sure that your "trusted friend" has. While it's unthinkable that someone would take advantage of this situation for their own profit, we've already heard of a few scams out there. We all want our hard-earned money to go right to those who need it.
Here's the Mangrove Fund website where you can learn more about Haiti, their project and make a donation to help Haitians recover. Thank you
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