Compassion Explosion Follows Haiti's Earthquake: Hope For Haiti More Than Slogan
Posted: Monday, January 25, 2010
by Mogama
http://www.mogama.info
With over 200,000 feared dead, more than 600,000 left homeless, thousands maimed for life, the number of widows, widowers and orphans multiplied, the bodies of the dead being buried in mass graves or torched as mass cremation, it is only human for us to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the devastation of the January 12 earthquake that smashed Haiti.
When I began counting how many countries, organizations, groups and individuals have stepped up to relieve Haitians in terms of workers, equipment, supplies, and money, I had to admit that we have probably never witnessed this level of global mercy in our generation. Not Kosovo, Rwanda or Sudan was able to engender this length, breadth and depth of widespread acts of caring that are now bombarding the tiny island nation of Haiti.
As of this writing, here are FEW of the reports of monetary relief designated for Haitians:
President Obama has pledged $100 million as America's assistance, though some political animals are already criticizing the president for the huge amount. Donations have come from other nations, besides the recovery and relief teams from various nations, including Brazil, France, Israel, Canada, England, just to name a handful.
The United Nations Children's Fund (formerly United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) or UNICEF for short, has raised $26 million.
The Red Cross has taken up $31 million. Shockingly, $24 million of that total came through text message donations via mobile phones, as of 4 PM on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Who ever thought those mobile creatures would be such cash machines for such a noble cause? Nearly every major charitable group now accepts donations via cell phones. I doubt some people will hesitate to slam cell phones as nuisance after this humane display of the popular gadgets.
Here in the blue grass state, our dynamic coach, John Calipari of the #1-ranked University of Kentucky men's basketball team, spearheaded the Hoops For Haiti telethon that raked in $1 million in about an hour. Kentuckians have also organized Haiti concerts and donations drive, as we've heard of similar efforts in other states.
Television talk show host, Larry King has raised over $9 million on his show, Larry King Live. According to Cha Cha Answers, Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean has raised over $1 via his Twitter account.
Add to that efforts by churches, government and individuals, which have resulted in fast-track adoptions of Haitian orphans.
Other leading charities engaged in Haiti relief include the following... Tell me this is not a tsunami of good will like the world rarely sees:
- International Rescue Committee
- March of Dimes
- United Way
- United Nations Foundation
- Project Medishare
- World Food Program
- Happy Hearts Fund
- CARE International
- Oxfam International
- Clinton Bush Haiti Fund - forget the notorious Democrat-Republican, liberal-conservative battle lines.
- American Jewish World Service... Contrary to what some blacks choose to believe, Jews have done much to help blacks (I've witnessed this in Liberia, my native country). After all, there are thousands of black Jews in Africa and around the world.
- Habitat for Humanity
- Partners in Health
- Clinton Foundation
- International Medical Corps
- Salvation Army
- Save the Children
- Catholic Relief Services 85% of Haitians consider themselves Catholics
On Friday, January 22, celebrities from around the world raised a whopping $58 million during their Hope For Haiti telethon, and reports say donations continue to pour in.
In lieu of these floodgates of mercy, it may be no overstatement to suggest that Haiti may never be the same again. Not only because of the great suffering they are enduring, but more so because of the target of the fully international attention and compassion they have become. It is thinkable that Hope For Haiti may be more prophetic than a tag line for a celebrity fundraiser. More than a faint wish, this hope rises to the crest of expectation for a brighter future much nearer than ever to the shores of Haiti, though it will take more than charity to rebuild the nation.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)One of my students brought up the point that there are millions suffering in the U.S. but because it doesn't create a sensation it goes unnoticed and many are uncared for as a result. Wonder how that all works into the equation. Good article again, my friend.Your student's question is mine as well, Jeff. It seems like the dramatic is needed to propel a group of sufferers to the front of Compassion Aisle, where they can arrest our attention and response. The Haitians are in the spotlight of mercy right now until the next disaster brings another group of sufferers in focus. How I wish it were not that way! ~mogama~FYI, you had a moment of fame before dozens of my listeners. I often will use my success at the Warp and elsewhere to prove that what I teach works. As I was showing my articles, their ranking and such, I happened to point you out not only as another example of a good writer but a good man and friend. How's that for props, my good man? ;=) Peace!Oh my gosh! You did that for me? My man, I could give you a warm, long hug if California were not too far from Kentucky! Thanks a million, Jeff, for the gracious act, and for letting me know. I really appreciate that, and I'll share this comment with my beloved wife. Blessings-:) ~mogama~
Helping the Haitian people in their time of need is a good thing. I could be wrong, but that's just my opinion.
Here in the Florida Keys, the flagship S.S. Wolf will be departing from Key West on February 8, accompanied by several other vessels, laden with donations of food and other necessities from the good citizens of Key West.
As far as I know, I'm probably the only Warpian who lives in the Keys. I'd like to meet others, but since Ernest Hemingway died and Jimmy Buffet moved to the mainland, I guess I'm the only writer left!Receive our thanks, Greg, on behalf of your fellow generous residents of the Florida Keys. It's kinda sad to hear you're the only Warpian left in the Keys... ~mogama~
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