January 21, 2010

• Red Cross

  So as you all know, the American Red Cross is heavily involved with providing relief for the Haitians. Fortunately, many people have been very generous, and every little bit helps! However, there are now some set backs:
  
  --Almost all the International Response Fund is being dedicated to Haiti--which they need it, so that is good/understandable--however, if another crisis was to occur right now, there would pretty much be no money or very minimal amounts for the Red Cross to mobilize on the behalf of the other victims. So if one wishes to donate to the Red Cross, it is recommended that the donation be directed to the International Response Fund (which includes the Haiti crisis) rather than only to the Haiti Relief & Development subdivision.  This way it is still being used in Haiti, but if need be, some may be used elsewhere.
  
  --The local Red Cross chapters are being neglected!
  
  Things also to keep in mind:
  --Right now, mostly monetary donations are being requested for in Haiti--why? Because money can be transferred to be used instantly, whereas other donations have to be shipped and checked through customs. That takes time, especially with the volume...Not to mention the transportation right now is severely limited--limited to aids, translators, evacuating US citizens, etc. It's chaos. (Not to mention ground transport, which is probably nearly impossible with all the rubble courtesy of the aftershocks, and original earthquake).
  
  --This is a long term situation. The cities and countrysides are pretty much ground-zeroed. Clean water and food are not easy to come across. Fortunately the Red Cross is working on that, along with other organizations. Not to mention the Haitians didn't have the highest living standard to begin with, and besides the infrastructure related destruction, families have also been destroyed. I think the American Red Cross maybe staying involved with rebuilding for the next three years. A major concern that comes with the long term situations is media related fatigue. There is the fear that publicizing the situation excessively will get the public tired or desensitized to the information. However, suffering and chaos continues to ensue, and I am guessing that it is hard to exaggerate the suffering they are actually undergoing.
  
  --Like I was saying before, the local Red Cross chapters are being slightly neglected. For example, here in Tampa less concern is being placed on the local issues. But there have been many fires that have destroyed homes in the area recently. But people have been flocking to donate clothing specifically for the Haitian crisis--clothing that these victims can use more immediately (because of the delay time because of customs and because of its lower priority [food, clothing and aid or clothing?]).
  
  Please support your local and the International Red Cross!
  
  We must try not to sink beneath our anguish... but battle on. ~Dumbledore
  I hope for healing to occur in the lives of the Haitians.  (Please stop the aftershocks...it's not helping ).
  

  • 2:33 am
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