January 18, 2010 - Due to the devastated infrastructure throughout Haiti, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) is setting up a logistics center in the Dominican Republic as a base for procuring and distributing aid.
"Haiti doesn't have large reserves of food and other supplies at the best of times so the existing supplies are expected to be exhausted very soon after which all supplies will have to come in from abroad," said CRWRC's Disaster Response Director, Jacob Kramer. "In addition the container cranes at the port in Port au Prince cannot be used. I have talked to our staff in the Dominican Republic and we are setting up a logistics group with some other relief organizations which will be based in Santa Domingo."
CRWRC's first priorities are to get water, food, and medical aid to all those who need it.
"Together with Trojan Industries we are readying three small, self-contained water purification plants which should be on their way on today," reported Kramer. "We are also working with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to provide rice, corn meal and beans, and with Medical Teams International to provide medical support. Our first surgical team arrived last week and a specialized orthopaedic team will arrive later today."
Once these immediate needs are met, CRWRC's next priority will be temporary and more permanent shelter.
Financial donations to support CRWRC's Haiti Earthquake response are urgently needed. Gifts can be made online at www.crwrc.org or by phone at 1-800-730-3490. Cheques designated "Haiti Earthquake 2010" can be mailed to CRWRC, 3475 Mainway, PO Box 5070 STN LCD 1, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 3Y8.
To learn more about CRWRC's international relief programs, go to www.crwrc.org.
CRWRC is a non-profit agency of the Christian Reformed Church in North America ministering to people in need around the world with relief, development, and justice.
Contact: Kristen deRoo VanderBerg, 905-451-4954