Over €450,000 has been raised by the Irish Red Cross in its Haiti Appeal it was announced today.
Donations to the appeal have been steady since its launch last Wednesday, thanks to the positive response received from members of the public taking part in fundraising events, and businesses and the media providing details of the appeal over the weekend.
"I would like to thank the Irish public for their generosity which has allowed us to reach this total in the space of just 5 days. However I would also appeal for the people of Ireland to continue to give what they can, as every cent will make a difference to the people of Haiti," said Noel Wardick Head of the International Department, Irish Red Cross.
Furthermore, a revised appeal for €71 million has been announced by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which will provide 60,000 Haitian families (300,000 people) with assistance for the next three years, highlighting the importance of every single donation.
To date the Irish Red Cross has sent €125,000 in emergency aid to the people of Haiti which is channelled through the IFRC, and will continue to do so thanks to the stream of donations to its emergency appeal.
Donations to the appeal can be made online at www.redcross.ie and by calling 1850 50 70 70.
Background
The earthquake struck on Tuesday (12 Jan) at 12:00 local time, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale shook the capital of Port-au-Prince and other areas of the country, with Haiti's West Province (pop. 2.2m) most affected.
Notes to Editor
Irish Red Cross delegate Will Rogers will be travelling to Haiti to provide assistance on Wednesday (20 Jan) morning and will be operational and available for interview from Thursday (21 Jan) onwards.
The Irish Red Cross can provide spokesperson/s on the Haitian earthquake:
Noel Wardick, Head of the International Department, Irish Red Cross. (Based in Ireland)
Paul Conneally, (Irish) Head of External Communications, IFRC is currently travelling to Haiti and will be available for interview upon arrival. Tel: 0041 79 308 9809.
Declan O'Sullivan, Acting Secretary General, Irish Red Cross. (Based in Ireland)
How you can help
Donations are being accepted online at www.redcross.ie or by calling 1850 50 70 70.
Cheque and postal orders should be marked for the relevant appeal and made payable to:
Irish Red Cross,
16 Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.
For media enquiries please contact Ms. Pia Ward on 01 642 4612 or alternatively Mr. David Curtin on 086 - 283 2123 to arrange an interview.