Caritas Supporting Over 50,000 People In Haiti

Caritas Supporting over 50,000 people in Haiti

Catholic aid network Caritas Internationalis is supporting over 50,000 people in an initial response to the earthquake in Haiti.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand director Michael Smith says an international team has flown into Haiti to support the work of Caritas members Caritas Haiti and US-based Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

“CRS, with over 300 staff already in Haiti, were able to respond immediately from food and water supplies it had in Port-au-Prince and the city of Les Cayes. More supplies are being sent in from neighbouring Dominican Republic, including food packages being prepared for 50,000 people,” said Mr Smith.

Caritas is also delivering tents and blankets, and providing medical care through some of Caritas Haiti’s 200+ clinics and hospitals in the country.

Caritas Haiti staff from the Port-au-Prince headquarters were reported safe after the quake as they were outside the city on a planning day. Returning to face death and devastation, they have been working round the clock. The headquarters is damaged, but still standing. Staff have been sleeping outside since the earthquake.

Says Mr Smith, “The Caritas network hopes the attention and assistance of the outside world at this time, might bring lasting solutions and commitment to alleviate the long-term misery and poverty of one of the world’s poorest nations.”

He’s pleased at New Zealanders response to Haiti’s need half a world away. Donations can be made by:
• Phoning 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations or
• Donating online using a credit card at www.caritas.org.nz or
• Posting to Caritas, PO Box 12193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144, New Zealand.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS.

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