SHREDnews

By: Emily

At 4:52 p.m. on January 12, 2010, an earthquake with a catastrophic magnitude of 7.0 struck the nation of Haiti. It is estimated that one third of the nation’s population of nine million people have been affected by the quake. The European Union and the Pan American Health Organization, which is coordinating the health-sector response, have estimated the disaster killed about two-hundred thousand people. The American Red Cross, the corporate world, local and national charities, schools, and entertainers have all donated time and money towards the cause.

Blink-182, Lady Gaga, and Simple Plan are just a few examples of the many that are helping the cause at hand. Two days after the earthquake, pop-punk icon Blink-182 released a shirt with the merchandise company TSURT. The limited edition shirt was sold for fifteen U.S. dollars until the 25^th, with 100 percent of the proceeds to be donated to the American Red Cross. In the eleven days the tee was sold, the band exceeded their goal donation of 30k, donating $38,820.00 at the end of the day. The band made a post on their Facebook at 4:19 p.m. on January 25^th saying the following:

“Total donation to the Red Cross today $38,820.00. It amazes me when I think about it that this small little idea was able to so quickly raise this much money for charity. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment and I can’t thank everyone enough. Even if you could not afford to buy a shirt you spread our word. TSURT and blink-182 Thank You!”

The day before Blink’s sale ended, Lady Gaga’s began. January 24^th, 2010 was Gaga for Haiti day. In addition to a limited edition shirt being sold, on that day, 100 percent of the proceeds of all merchandise purchased went towards Haitian relief. Through their Simple Plan Foundation, the Canadian rock band also took the opportunity to do their small part in helping Haiti by donating ten thousand dollars. The band also took part in two big fundraisers in Canada, “Canada for Haiti” as well as well as “Ensemble pour Haiti” in Quebec.

Haitian-born, Grammy-Award winning musician, producer and social entrepreneur Wyclef Jean has been doing everything in his power to help his nation, even before the quake occurred. Through his Yéle Haiti Organization, Wyclef uses music, sports and the media to reinforce projects that are making a difference in education, health, environment and community development. For those of you who texted “YELE” to 501501, you now know what that means. When you texted that number, you donated five dollars to the Yéle Haiti Earthquake Fund. Wyclef Jean wrote and recorded a song titled “Hold On” and dedicated it to the people of his nation. Jean performed the song on the telethon “Hope for Haiti Now”, a program backed by George Clooney and the rapper himself. The telethon helped raise more than sixty-one million dollars towards relief for Haiti.

There are millions of people suffering in Haiti as you’re reading this, but you can help. By texting the numbers provided below, you can donate money to those in need. Remember, the people of Haiti have far less than we do, any donation makes a difference.

Wyclef Jean’s music video for “Hold On” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YFNfwe8fKE

*In addition to your donation amount, standard text messaging fees will apply.
From the USA:

Red Cross: Text HAITI to 90999 ($10 donation)
UNICEF: Text UNICEF to 20222 ($10 donation)
Clinton Foundation: Text HAITI to 20222 ($10 donation)
Yéle Haiti: Text YELE to 501501 ($5 donation)
United Way: Text HAITI to 864833 ($5 donation)
Intl Medical Corps: Text HAITI to 85944 ($10 donation)
World Food Program: Text: FRIENDS to 90999 ($5 donation)
UN Foundation: Text CERF to 90999 ($5 donation)
Compassion Intl: Text DISASTER to 90999 ($10 donation)
Intl Rescue Committee Text: HAITI to 25383 ($5 donation)
The Salvation Army: Text HAITI to 52000 ($10 donation)
Cure Intl: Text CURE to 85944 ($10 donation)
Oxfam: Text OXFAM to 25383 ($10 donation)
Samaritan’s Purse: Text SP to 85944 ($10 donation) Convoy of Hope: Text CONVOY to 50555 ($10 donation)

From Canada:
Salvation Army in Canada: Text HAITI to 45678 ($5 donation)
Plan Canada: Text HAITI to 30333 ($5 donation)

From the United Kingdom:
Disasters Emergency Committee: Text GIVE to 70077 (£5 Pounds)

From France:
French Red Cross: Text HAITI to 80222 (1 Euro)