Haiti needs our help
by Johanny Arilexis Perez Sierra on 17th January, 2010 at 9:39 AM CEST
When we learned that Johanny, one of our members, had experienced the recent Haiti earthquake first hand, we asked her to share her personal experience with the C:F community to encourage everyone to help in every way they can. You can help the people of Haiti right after reading Johanny's story, as we will donate 20 cents (USD) for each person that comments on this post to the Red Cross. Additionally, every C:F Staff member will add 10 USD to the donation that will be collected by your comments. So, make sure you leave a comment with your thoughts and wishes for those affected by this natural disaster and please invite all your friends to comment as well! - C:F Team
Dear C:F members,
In the afternoon of last tuesday, January 12th a devastating earthquake, magnitude 7.0 in Richter scale impacted Port au Principe, capital of Haiti. This nation shares the Hispaniola Island with the Dominican Republic, the country where I come from. Although the magnitude was less severe in my country, some motion was felt in the whole territory.
When this earthquake happened, I was inside a building joined with a cousin of mine; firstly we felt like if we were groggy, but then a rocking motion began to happen and everybody realized what was happening: we were witnessing an earthquake. I just saw a fan at the ceiling of the place and the walls moving disparately from one side to another. Many things went through my head, until he reached the end of the world, or that the island was goint to split by half... because this motion lasted close to a minute. Thanks God, no significant damage happened in my neighbourhood.
Currently, I have seen in the news that more than one million and half remained below destroyed buildings , turned into stones and dust, and at least three million people have been affected by the earthquake in Haiti. It was the worst earthquake in that Caribbean country in more than 200 years. Buildings were completely smashed, like the presidencial house, the central hospital and basic schools, the UN building and houses are now converted into stones.
International aid has been fluiding, as seen in the news, support in materials, food and expertise has been offered to this nation in these moments. President of the Dominican Republic has allowed to receive injured people into dominican hospitals and has offered some millios on support of this nation. Many organizations have movilized activities to gather in clothes and canned food. Now also worries the sanitation and the risk of an epidemy because of the so many death bodies under the debris. But significant effort has been made to manage the situation in both nations.
You can see the horrible effects of the earthquake had on Haiti on this link.
Let's unite prays for this country to reestablish promptly.
Best,
Johanny
Photo by United Nations Development Programme
UPDATE: We have just made our first donation to the Red Cross. You can still keep commenting to contribute to our next donation!
Sayanee Basu | Youth Advisory Board | Ambassador
Hi Johanny, my condolences to the people to Haiti. It is heartening to see the prompt disaster relief programs to help the victims.
17th January, 2010 @ 9:47 AM CEST
Vallabha Rao | Youth Advisory Board | Ambassador
Hi Johanny we cannot control nature we surely can control the way we react to natural disasters ; We are with you and hope help reaches the needy ; Condolences to the people who lost their family and friends
17th January, 2010 @ 10:16 AM CEST
It's a little sad, but in a way heartening, to see that it takes calamities like these to bring people together with the single aim of doing something good.. But nonetheless we hope that people of Haiti get help they need, and also hope for those have lost much in this disaster.
17th January, 2010 @ 10:51 AM CEST
Alexandra Catherine Shortbeard
Such a tragedy... I hope Haiti can recover from this tragedy with our help... my thoughts are with all the victims...
17th January, 2010 @ 10:58 AM CEST
Hi Johanny,I heard that 3,5 million people were effected by the earthqueake.I cant even imagine how much that is.Condolences to the people who lost their family and friends
17th January, 2010 @ 11:09 AM CEST
Ana Hederih | Youth Advisory Board | Ambassador
Johanny, thanks for sharing the story. Condolences to everyone who lost anyone due to the eartquake.
17th January, 2010 @ 12:15 PM CEST
Damjan Obal | C:F staff
I know it's hard to share an experience like that Johanny... We can all only hope that things will return back to sort of normal as soon as possible. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us.
17th January, 2010 @ 2:00 PM CEST
Your story reminds me of the horror I felt back in 2004 when the tsunami hit my country, Indonesia. But now I can see the 'blessing in disguise'. In the darkest hour of our lives, that's when we unite the most. I can see everyone, without exception, sending endless streams of support. I just hope that we can once again unite to help Haiti. To Johanny, hang on there~! We're with you~!
17th January, 2010 @ 4:25 PM CEST
Dan Croitoru | Youth Advisory Board
It is really incredible and terrifying what happened. It is a life changing experience. I'm glad to hear Johanny that you are safe and sound. Condolences to the people who lost their loved ones. It is a good thing that the International Community is mobilizing and helping the victims. That's what we should do: stick together in hard times like these.
17th January, 2010 @ 6:26 PM CEST
Let's hope Haiti comes out of this ordeal stronger and more united than before, and can put this episode behind them on the road to development.
17th January, 2010 @ 7:13 PM CEST
Johanny, be strong! Haiti, be strong! We are trying our best to help you. You, just need to be calmed and help yourselves.
18th January, 2010 @ 8:46 AM CEST
Thanks Johanny for sharing. It is sad to know that more and more disasters are happening more frequently. Natural disasters are certainly undefeatable, however i believe it makes one stronger and more different towards life if one survived through it. We should be so much grateful to be able to open our eyes everyday in the morning to see that everyone around us is safe and sound. Care for people around you, love them, do more good than harm in your limited lifespan.
*Prays for people in Haiti
18th January, 2010 @ 9:27 AM CEST
Kayode Nubi | Youth Advisory Board
Thanks for sharing Johanny, I've sure been up the TV to get updates on what's happening. In times like these, our humanity is put into test and I'm sure glad the world is doing what she's doing. My prayers goes out to all and hope you find solace soonest.
18th January, 2010 @ 9:54 AM CEST
Thanks for sharing Johanny. My deepest condolence for all those who have lost their precious ones. I hope that Haiti recovers from this disaster at the earliest and I'm glad to see the way the world has responded.I'm happy you are safe and only hope that this shock is surmounted with less pain than it caused. Prayers to all the victims.
18th January, 2010 @ 11:31 AM CEST
Johanny Arilexis Perez Sierra | Youth Advisory Board
Dear all, thank you so much for leaving your comments in this story, and also TO C:F staff for making this possible. Please, share this link to your friends and contacts in order they visit C:F website, become a memebr and leave their commmets as well. I hope this initiative touches as much hearts as possible. Thanks and prays for this nation.
18th January, 2010 @ 7:50 PM CEST
It is sad to see everything that has happened, we must give support to this great nation. Thank you Johanny
18th January, 2010 @ 9:54 PM CEST
This is a really great initiative for the people there...I would just hope that more community members see it....or could it be better highlighted in the main page? It is a cause that really deserves everyone attention!
19th January, 2010 @ 9:36 AM CEST
Thanks for the great comments and wishes, everyone! And yes, we need more comments, so don't forget to tell all your friends about Johanny's story.
19th January, 2010 @ 9:43 AM CEST
Andreja Kodrin (C:F)
Isn't that paradox, we can conquer the space and drive on the moon surface but we cannot transport the food to victims in Haiti? Each moment people are dying there due to the fact that help supplies are waiting in the ports, airports,... We cannot fully anticipate earthquakes but we should definitely do something that people will receive access to water, food and shelter much faster. And without additional bureaucracy as only one hour might differ us from saving someone or leaving to die.
19th January, 2010 @ 10:52 AM CEST
I can only imagine what it must be like in Haiti right now and send my condolences. I sincerely hope that this disaster and its aftermath will not be forgotten by most of the world after a mere few months, as is often the case with such tragedies.
19th January, 2010 @ 11:44 AM CEST
I´ve seen the images on TV and news papers, it's heartbraking!!!. I´m suere we can all do something for Haiti. I´d all ready donated some food and supplies and the C:F comments will help too.
Let´s hope our help gets to Haiti soon enough!!!!
19th January, 2010 @ 3:29 PM CEST
Jake Jones | Youth Advisory Board | Ambassador
My sincerest condolences go out to those who have lost their familes, this will be the most difficult time for them.
Let us pull together and support these people in emerging from the flames and rebuilding their community!
Much love to all those affected, and glad our colleague Johanny is safe. x
19th January, 2010 @ 4:39 PM CEST
Haiti is going to be rebuild even more beautifull than before, because that is what we are good in !
19th January, 2010 @ 5:35 PM CEST
Johanny Arilexis Perez Sierra | Youth Advisory Board
It is very true the trouble Andreja points. Aid is lasting too much to reach needed people in Haiti, however, international support is collaborating to send as fast as possible these aids. Please, share this link as much contacts as you can!
19th January, 2010 @ 9:25 PM CEST
It is heartbreaking to watch all that horrible scenes in Haiti now-a-days on TV! The international community has once again stepped together to help ... but I wonder how much of that help will really reach the ones that need it most ...
20th January, 2010 @ 1:26 PM CEST
Siddharth Rajkonwar | Youth Advisory Board
The images were very sad and distressing. It reminds us humans to respect the indomitable forces of nature. Our deepest condolences with the victims.
20th January, 2010 @ 4:10 PM CEST
Jatin Kataria | Ambassador
Hey I just say. Take care of yourself and your family...
This is the time when your family n friends need u the most
I lost my sister when earthquake came in India.. I can feel the condition out there..
20th January, 2010 @ 6:55 PM CEST
Johanny Arilexis Perez Sierra | Youth Advisory Board
Jatin, I am very sorry about what happened. My condolences.
21st January, 2010 @ 9:52 PM CEST
Matjaž Krajnc | C:F staff
The humanitarian situation remains very difficult, if not critical. Hundreds of thousands of people living on the streets. Port-au-Prince still lack access to essential services such as shelter and basic hygiene.
C:F community helping is just a drop in the ocean, but try to make more posts and share your opinion.
22nd January, 2010 @ 12:18 PM CEST
When a natural calamity like this occurs, it is good to know that there are so many ways to help out, the simplest being this one i suppose... but i had hoped the money donated per comment would have been higher.
22nd January, 2010 @ 8:21 PM CEST
Sholpan Maralbayeva | mentor
I want to express my condolences to people of Haiti.
It would be better to know an account to send some money as donation. I think that a new task for the World is to prevent even larger catastrophe as reported by mass-media - that one third of the country is going under the ocean. If this is true...many more people can be damaged
24th January, 2010 @ 6:16 PM CEST
We of course also encourage you to make your own donations if you can. You can make a donation with a credit card through the International Red Cross website (http://donate.ifrc.org/) and probably through your local Red Cross organizations as well or any other organization you prefer. There are also other things you can do to help, like help sorting disaster images online: http://www.beextra.org/haiti
I think the important thing is that we all do something. So, keep the comments coming, and don't forget to let your friends know about all the different ways they can help too!
24th January, 2010 @ 6:53 PM CEST
i think only 60-65% of money from all Funds/sources will find destination point... you know - Corruption, false funds =/ Unfortunately this is very proffitable busines. I think so - to build again all structure need some 4-5 years =/ this is a lot. may be some countries can give Temporarily workplaces, places of residing or something like that >_< people will work in other country but taxes (which they will pay ) will be sended for regeneration of haiti... hmm...
24th January, 2010 @ 8:14 PM CEST
So let us make it easier and better somehow for the people there by doing this campaign.
30th January, 2010 @ 9:43 PM CEST
My sincerest condolences to those people who have lost their family and friends. Thanks to Johanny and CF staff for making this possible!
1st February, 2010 @ 7:16 AM CEST
we only can pray that things will only improve for the better and do one things at a time to improve the situation.
9th February, 2010 @ 3:30 PM CEST
Jake Jones | Youth Advisory Board | Ambassador
I'm so glad so many people have got on board with this, hopefully we'll make a real difference to someone's future. And that is what humanity is all about. With love from Wales, Jake x
9th February, 2010 @ 3:32 PM CEST
Johanny, thank for sharing your story, it is good that association such as the international red cross and challenge future are willing to help.
9th February, 2010 @ 3:38 PM CEST
I'm sorry for what happened to your country. I hope that this modest comment will soothe your pain.
9th February, 2010 @ 3:46 PM CEST
We are all with you my friends, the world isn't careless about you suferings, we are with you.....
9th February, 2010 @ 3:46 PM CEST
Muhammad fasieh | Ambassador
Let us hope Haiti comes out stronger than ever!!!!!!!!!
9th February, 2010 @ 3:49 PM CEST
We as friends can assure you of moral support above other resources. Let us hope that things will be back to normal soon.
9th February, 2010 @ 3:50 PM CEST
These kind of occasions are not only about a country..
It's completely about humanity.
No one guarantees to keep us alive or safe till a pre-determined day...However, it's good to be sure that there will be someone who helps you in any case.
World is cruel, most people cruel but still good people exist.
have many nice days...
9th February, 2010 @ 4:23 PM CEST
YEs. Always think, where is God and why always such disasters strike those who are less protected and are already in the bad position.. .
9th February, 2010 @ 4:25 PM CEST
I am very sorry for what happened in Haiti, I hope you guys are recovering well
9th February, 2010 @ 4:43 PM CEST
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THE HAITIANS MAY GOD AND ALL HIS ANGELS KEEP THEM UNDER THERE WINGS...
(Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain. So we all should come forward to pray and help who are in need…...
9th February, 2010 @ 5:11 PM CEST
Like everyone, when I read the news about the disaster I was shocked and surf the sites to find out more information. I strongly believe that the Haitian people will find the power in themselves and with the help of others will thrive through this horrible and devastating experience. It is time to show that we are united no matter what!
9th February, 2010 @ 5:35 PM CEST
really we cant control such things of nature but yes we help to the people who suffer from such things...
9th February, 2010 @ 6:51 PM CEST
Saad Khan | Youth Advisory Board | Ambassador
hope recovery processes are getting better by each passing day. may god help all those who were effected and give them courage to face the situation boldly
9th February, 2010 @ 7:04 PM CEST
Thanks Johanny for sharing with us. When such disasters strike the only good thing you can see is the help some people offer to the suffering.
9th February, 2010 @ 8:22 PM CEST
"What this power is, I cannot say. All I know is that it exists." Alexander Graham Bell
9th February, 2010 @ 8:39 PM CEST
Best wishes for Haiti, we will not forget about you!
9th February, 2010 @ 8:53 PM CEST
"Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can."
We know you can - and you know that.
9th February, 2010 @ 9:39 PM CEST
Hi Johanny,
I read about the disaster and I am happy you gave a first hand impression and wrote this post.
It sometimes feel very selfish that the media attention is now fading away because they do not find something hot and new in this disaster. I come from India and Media is very negative here. I can understand those helpless feeling.
I would like to encourage you for a reason that you have seen what has happen there. You have felt the pain of disaster-stricken people. You would be the best person to voice their problems.
I would encourage you to utilize Internet and Blogs to sensitize people and get them to act instead of just gossip.
I again congratulate for the effort you have taken. Take care.
Utkarsh Mehta
India
9th February, 2010 @ 11:47 PM CEST
"rebuild with stones built of souls"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =-IAgk6-qEOI&feature=relat ed
10th February, 2010 @ 12:51 AM CEST
Really thank you for the sharing and we all need to treasure our life and to treasure the people around us more:)
The Chinese will say "jia you", which directly translates to "add oil", to the people of haiti for the rebuilding process:)
Take care and all the best!
10th February, 2010 @ 6:55 AM CEST
Dan Croitoru | Youth Advisory Board
I've noticed that the media has abandoned this subject. Most of them are looking for shocking news, other than that it's irrelevant.
If we truly we want to help Haiti we need a solid campaign in order to rebuild this country. Miracles are not done in a few days or weeks.
Dan
10th February, 2010 @ 9:50 AM CEST
I hope Haiti can have the cure for all that they've been through with our help as soon as possible and the children can go back to our schools, continue to learn, play, and have the happiness that they deserve as much as others.
Burçay, Turkiye
10th February, 2010 @ 10:43 AM CEST
My heart goes with all the people that lost their homes and their loved ones..
11th February, 2010 @ 12:17 PM CEST
Haiti needs our help...so let us join hands in helping Haiti.
12th February, 2010 @ 9:14 AM CEST
May Haiti receive its very much needed blessings and help soon
12th February, 2010 @ 3:15 PM CEST
Great recapture of the events...I think America could have done better to help Haiti...
12th February, 2010 @ 3:36 PM CEST
My heart goes out to your and all that were affected by this devastating event.
It is amazing how quickly the world can forget an event this massive. People need to realize that a couple of weeks wont solve the problem, recovery will take years!
13th February, 2010 @ 6:43 PM CEST
have someone counted the amount of comments here? :)
So how many comments already? :)
13th February, 2010 @ 9:48 PM CEST
We now have exactly 74 comments now :)
Thanks everyone for all the great comments, keep them coming!
13th February, 2010 @ 11:40 PM CEST
Big thanks' for the opportunity to make something good for these poor people!
14th February, 2010 @ 1:15 AM CEST
Johanny Arilexis Perez Sierra | Youth Advisory Board
Thanks for everyone´s comment! Keep going!
14th February, 2010 @ 11:38 PM CEST
Optimism always seems insensitive in these situations, but is necessary. Out of the dust can come change.
19th February, 2010 @ 2:26 AM CEST
Alja Sulčič
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Johanny. I hope we get as many comments as we can and do our part in helping Haiti move on after such tragic event. Thanks for all your comments in advance!
17th January, 2010 @ 9:46 AM CEST