Haiti Next Month
Haiti’s in trouble, but I’m not going to concentrate on it this month. Haiti had enormous problems before the earthquake; those won’t go away after an initial flurry of publicity. I certainly don’t want to cast aspersions on people who are acting now but I’m going to do something a bit different and hold off until February before pushing Haiti aid through my nerdly interests/products/stuff. Why?
- I want to so my part to extend the buzz a little longer.
- Money’s tight and I’d like to feel a bit better financed before proceeding.
- I’d like to do it right and to be honest, the earthquake threw me for a loop.
So expect some coherent action in February. I don’t expect to be a huge influence or anything, but better than none is fine by me. By all means, donate now. Take advantage of any promotions that induce you to give. I recommend the Red Cross and MSF. But once February, March and beyond come around don’t forget about the people and situation. They’ll still need your help.
EDIT: It seems perhaps I was unclear. I’m talking about my own initiatives to promote aid, not advising that you wait to give. Plus, my old friend Simon comments:
The main reason to respond now (at least if you’re in Canada) is that the Canadian government through CIDA is matching, dollar for dollar, donations by individual Canadians up to a total of $50 million for Haiti. This matching stops on Feb 12.
So by all means, donate now.
Hi, Malcolm! A couple of things:
By all means, I understand your reasoning about Haiti. The main reason to respond now (at least if you’re in Canada) is that the Canadian government through CIDA is matching, dollar for dollar, donations by individual Canadians up to a total of $50 million for Haiti. This matching stops on Feb 12.
Also, PWRDF (the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund) is active in Haiti through our partners on the ground, and are another excellent charity doing good work in this emergency if people want to donate to us! Folks can donate to us here: http://bit.ly/5D6Tt4
You are right about the problems in Haiti before the quake. There is a huge need for development work in the country, and I certainly hope that people will continue to support international development work after this emergency is off the radar screen!
Hey Simon.
Oh, I don’t think that people shouldn’t *donate* now. They should! I’m talking more about promoting it. But I will edit to spread the word.
Also the cap as lifted a day or two ago, so it’s not up to $50 million anymore. I’m not sure what the new cap is, but it has been raised.