(Image Source: New York Times)

Haiti: Hope for a Nation Begins to Rise
by Jessica Pillay

January 22, 2010

If you’ve recently turned on the TV, the radio, or visited just about any website, chances are you’ve seen the coverage on the recent devastation in Haiti. A horrific 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Port-Au-Prince, the country’s capital, on January 12, 2010, reducing the city to nothing more than a monstrous pile of rubble and dead bodies, and leaving behind a significant number of wounded, grief-stricken survivors. Reports confirm that at least 70,000 have died so far, and relief groups expect that number to rise as more bodies are being uncovered.

Natural disasters are not a foreign concept to most Haitians. In 2008 multiple hurricanes struck the Caribbean nation that makes up one-third of the Island of Hispaniola (located west of the Dominican Republic, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean). Other hurricanes and storms trace all the way back to 1935. However, according to the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), the latest quake is the worst natural disaster to hit Haiti in nearly two centuries. Many are describing the event as “catastrophic.” Still, one has to wonder if words can justly describe this terrible event.

Because of the situation’s magnitude, it’s easy for those of us who are bystanders to feel discouraged or even insignificant. We wonder: is there really anything we can do to make a worthy difference? Fortunately, the answer is yes. Many organizations have created a number of great opportunities for people to respond. Folks can donate money to groups such as:

The American Red Cross

World Vision International

The Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund: Check this out! Putting aside their political differences, former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have joined forces and started a relief fund. Way to go, guys!

Hope for Haiti Telethon: (George Clooney and other celebrities joined together for a telethon that aired on January 22nd on multiple television networks. Sweet!)

Music for Relief: Another groovy project—a bunch of bands/songwriters including Linkin Park, Alanis Morissette, and the All-American Rejects have teamed up and made a compilation album of unreleased tunes. The best part? 100% of the proceeds go to Haiti.

This list barely scratches the surface of all the different donation platforms that exist. A simple Google search can give you more information on additional organizations and charities (but just be careful—some of them are scam sites!). And of course, watch your local news or listen to your local radio stations for more donation information.

Okay, so maybe you’re sitting there, thinking to yourself: “These options are great for people with jobs and financial stability. But I’m a teenager! I have no money!” Rest assured, ladies. YOU can still get involved! All it takes is a little bit of creativity.

I read one story about a group of children in Portland, Oregon who decided to have a community bake sale; they plan to send the proceeds to a Haiti-related charity. This got me thinking—what are some ways that we can get involved in our own communities to raise awareness and money for this cause? Here’s what I came up with:

Country profile: For starters, go online and find some profile information on Haiti. This will give you a stronger understanding of the country, and who knows? Maybe you can utilize that information in one of your community events. The CIA World Factbook is a great resource for this.

School-sponsored events:
Talk to your school’s administrator and/or student government. Ask about organizing a bake sale or carwash, etc.
Does your school have any music ensembles, drama teams, or art clubs? Organize a benefit event—a concert, art show, etc. People who attend the event(s) can make donations to send to a chosen fund/charity.

Community Rummage Sale: You know those unwanted pairs of jeans or shoes that are hiding in the back of your closet? Here’s a great opportunity to get rid of them! Get some neighbors, friends, and/or family together, and host a community rummage sale. You’ll raise money for an excellent cause and also acquire some snazzy, “new” things!

Again, this list is not exhaustive. Put your own creativity to the test and see if you can come up with other ways to raise awareness and money. Then post your ideas and success stories right here at GBD! Together, we can be a beacon of light and hope to a nation currently caught in the eye of a dreadful storm.