Red Cross Aid Sends Aid Worker To Haiti

New Zealand Red Cross is posting experienced aid worker Kevin Duignan to Haiti on Monday to work on construction projects for six months.

Wellington-based Mr Duignan, 53, served in Aceh, Indonesia, after the Indian Ocean tsunami, for 28 months. His most recent posting was in the Maldives, for 21 months, where he returned from in November.

Mr Duignan said, “There are people in Haiti who are in desperate need. It’s a huge opportunity and it’s just something I’ve got to do. They need help. I’ve got skills and experience and I hope I can be of use.”

More than 125,000 households in Haiti still need temporary shelters. Many other temporary dwellings will need replacement during the current hurricane season. Permanent reconstruction is not yet under way because of land problems including subsidence.

The international Red Cross has launched an appeal for $298 million to help 80,000 families (400,000 people) with non-food items, emergency and transitional shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare and livelihoods. Donors to New Zealand Red Cross gave $1.49 million towards this appeal, which is 94 per cent covered.

In 2010, New Zealand Red Cross marks 50 years of sending aid workers overseas for disasters, conflicts and development work.

ENDS