Thoughts on Haiti
We are all moved by the heart wrenching devastation in Haiti – a country that has for too long ranked among the poorest in the world. Haiti now struggles with the aftermath of this remarkable tragedy – 140,000 deaths, and over 300,000 homeless. What little infrastructure there was in Port-au-Prince has all but been destroyed.
60 Minutes aired a very moving story:
Watch CBS News Videos Online
For those who are moved to help, here are a few suggestions:
Partners in Health (http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti) is a medical organization that has been working in Haiti for 20 years. They probably have the most capacity to bring immediate medical relief on the ground.
Longer term solutions may be found in the collaboration of former Presidents Bush and Clinton. Their Clinton Bush Haiti Fund will work to provide immediate relief and long-term support to earthquake survivors. Information can be found here: http://clintonbushhaitifund.org/
A Memphis organization with a deep commitment to Haiti is Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis (http://www.cbu.edu/~aross/biology/Haiti/#fundraising). While they may not be the best choice for immediate relief, they offer a great ongoing way to support the country as it rebuilds.
The American Red Cross is raising funds using text messages. By simply texting “HAITI” to 90999, donors can make a $10 donation to support the American Red Cross Haitian relief efforts. Over $20m has been raised to date.
Without trivializing this tragedy, I will point out that a bill is likely to be passed that will allow any cash charitable contributions for Haitian relief made before March 1, 2010 to be deducted on 2009 tax returns.
