Before this moment passes...What can we do to help?

Question

We are a community of people sharing the goal of learning Spanish. We happen to be a world-wide community. In light of the earthquake and devastation in Haiti, I thought maybe we could use this opportunity for good.

We are all capable of doing something, no matter how big or small. I would challenge you today, to do something to help the people of Haiti. The possibilities are endless. You can send money, you can collect clothing, organize a fund raiser in your community or church. You can do something as simple as pray for the Haitian people, if you feel led to do so. You could possibly send a card or letter to a community of Haitians near you to let them know you care.

I am challenging the members of the Spanishdict community to each do "something". This story will soon fade from the front page of the papers and from our minds.

I propose three things:

1. Make a decision to do something (whether something great or small)
2. Tell us what it is you would like to do.
3. Let us hear about it. Even if you never see the results, how has this changed you?

Let's send our love and support from around the world!!

Also look at this thread "Earthquake slams Haiti"

Thank you. We need more people like you in this world. - spanman, Jan 13, 2010

Thank you for the thread Heidi! - Nicole-B, Jan 14, 2010

Answer 1

This is a huge disaster in one ongoing series of disasters for Haiti.It boggles the mind on how much suffering can settle in one place

While in the Dominican Republic this past summer, I met many, many Haitians. We participated in church services with them and even witnessed a baptism in a local river. The most amazing thing is that of all the Haitians I met, only about five percent of them were women. The men I met were in the DR to try to find jobs and to earn just enough money to bring their wives and children over. They were in the process of learning Spanish and doing whatever they could to get their family members out of really bad situations...and this was before the earthquake!!

What amazed me was that we were in the DR trying to help Dominicans, but the Haitians were literally putting their lives on the line in order to have just a portion of what the Dominicans had. It was a really bad situation last summer. I can not even imagine the horror of what it is now. We were able to give one young man enough money for the paperwork to move his family permanently to the DR (only $200 US). This man was so overwhelmed that he basically just stared at us and the check for about ten minutes before he hugged everyone and cried for the next hour. And again, this was "before" this current devastation.

If $200 had that effect on someone a few months ago, I can not imagine how grateful they will be to have any needs met at this time...no matter how great or small!

Answer 2

I've donated some money through the UNICEF's webpage for Haitian children. Has it changed me? I don't know... I try to help people and animals from time to time by donating some money, food or clothes. But I don't think this makes me a better person. It's our duty to share.

I agree. - spanman, Jan 14, 2010

Well said. - kattya, Jan 14, 2010

Answer 3

I will pray and send my good wishes... Thanks for the great question. We need more people like you in this world.

Answer 4

Thank you for helping us focus on this. I looked at the site YogaMama recommended and donated money. It is not much but I hope it will help.

Here is the site again: yele.org

Answer 5

As nichole pointed out donating money and collecting clothing etc for fundraisers. Keep in mind anything other than financial aid at this moment is wasted due to shipping problems so gathering clothing, etc to be sold for fundrising is the best way to achieve that goal. My heart goes out to those poor people. This is devastation equal if not bypassing the tsunami of 2004.

Answer 6

Yes, it is important to do something, and to be sure that we are working through reputable agencies.

One of the churches in our hometown has had a close connection with Haiti for several years, so we plan to work through them.

Answer 7

I just finished reading a book about a doctor that set up a public health clinic turned hospital in Haiti while he was in medical school.This is a huge disaster in one ongoing series of disasters for Haiti.It boggles the mind on how much suffering can settle in one place.I will offer prayers for Doctor Paul and the country. I wish I could be there. I came across a site that listed many aid groups. I donated there.

Answer 8

Yes,you are quite right to remind us that we are a world wide community and if each of us did just a little it would have an enormous effect.Thank you for the challenge - I do already support charities that act in crises' such as this,but I will do something more.

Answer 9

Spain is helping out:

España mandará 40 especialistas a Haití para que participen en las operaciones de rescate de miles de desaparecidos bajo los escombros de edificios desplomados en el terremoto del martes, indicó la noche del miércoles Radio Nacional.

La emisora indicó que un avión debe salir este jueves de una base militar de Madrid rumbo a Puerto Príncipe con 40 policías, bomberos y socorristas, además de perros adiestrados.

I am proud this didn't take as long as ususal and hope it will help those people.

Answer 10

Hope for Haiti, 1042 6th Ave. N, Naples FL 34102

[e-mail]

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Check 'em out. Anybody from Naples, FL on the website know them? Chuck Colson recommends them.