Unbekanntes Sektorformat

I was a young elementary grade-school aged child the first time I met someone from Haiti. She was a girl of about my age travelling with other children from around the world to U.S. schools to talk about their countries. They were all from places that were very poor and the story of this girl made a deep impression on me. I had a ring (I don’t remember why because I never liked jewelry) with me and after her presentation I walked up and gave it to her as a sign of friendship. She (as well as the adults) was a little shocked at first but accepted it and kissed me on the cheek.

Over the years I’ve met many others from this island. I don’t wish to make anyone out to seem cute, but I found a type of real warmth and beauty in these people. Of course I was only meeting the ones who could leave and it’s wrong to make broad cultural generalizations, but I always got the impression that despite the conditions of that country people were really approachable and human.

Haiti doesn’t have a lot. It is poor, there is a lot of corruption, and the people rely heavily on foreign aid. The earthquake that just happened is so extraordinarily devastating to this fragile nation that it will take an unprecedented amounted of immediate help to even start making things better. I personally urge everyone to please take a few minutes out of your time, educate yourself about this country, its people, it’s very important history, and give just a small bit of money to help them out. Most live on making about $2 (USD) or 1,38€ a day, they need medical supplies, food, shelter, and cleanup crews and crisis counselling to make things safer.

Please use one of the following options:
The American Red Cross
Mercy Corps
Unicef
United Nations Food Program
Operation Blessing International
Yele

The fastest way to donate (US) may be by text. Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross relief efforts. Or text Yele to 501 501 to donate $5.

Not only do I thank you, but the many-many people who are in a truly dire moment do as well.

Sincerely,
Ceven Knowles, Unbekanntes Sektorformat
Berlin, 13.01.2010