OK, I know this isn’t exactly food related, but it is global issue related, yes? For full disclosure I should state that I work for this organization. But, I do personally believe that this is one of the best organizations you can donate to. CRWRC is highly respected for its integrity and offers aid in a way that helps long-term development of the community. We have been working in Haiti for more than 30 years, especially in the area of agriculture.
Here’s the latest update, from www.crwrc.org:
As survivors clear rubble, search for loved ones, and mourn the losses that have occurred since yesterday’s massive earthquake in Haiti, CRWRC staff are providing support and preparing plans for long-term aid.
“The earthquake that hit the capital city, where both CRWRC and Christian Reformed World Missions personnel are stationed, was severe,” CRWRC Director, Ida Kaastra Mutoigo reported this morning. “But we have confirmed that all Christian Reformed staff are safe.”
CRWRC has been working in Haiti for more than 30 years. By partnering with local churches and community organizations, CRWRC has empowered Haitian community leaders to no longer see themselves as victims of poverty, but as image bearers of God who have gifts they can use to serve their communities. In this new time of crisis, these local partners are now leading their communities in responding to the most urgent needs.
“During a disaster like this, it is hard to see anything positive,” said Ken Little, CRWRC’s Disaster Response Senior Project Manager, “but one strength that we do have is local leaders and community connections who can quickly identify needs and help us distribute aid to those most in need in a timely and effective way.”
CRWRC’s immediate response will be to meet urgent needs for things like water, shelter and food. “We want to get survivors out of the sun, out of the damage, and hydrated,” said CRWRC’s Disaster Programme Manager, Jacqueline Koster.
CRWRC-Haiti staff member and Dutch expatriot, Ad DeBlaeij, toured some of Port au Prince this morning. He reports, “There are thousands upon thousands of people in the streets. Most of them slept outside last night because of fear of aftershocks. In front of the CRWRC offices, there are 400 people just sitting on the ground, and they’ll likely be there for the next day or two until it is safe for them to return to what is left of their homes.”
As CRWRC provides aid, it is also collaborating with other organizations to ensure that the aid efforts are coordinated and no needs fall through the gaps. “At this stage of the response it is about meeting the immediate needs,” said Koster, “but we want to be sure that our collective response has the greatest possible benefit in the long-term by coordinating our activities.”
On Friday, Mr. Little will be travelling to Haiti to assess needs and prepare plans for additional aid. He expects that CRWRC’s response will include temporary shelter as well as long-term home repair and reconstruction.
At this time it is unclear whether or not additional volunteers will be needed for CRWRC’s response. Those who are interested in volunteering should direct their inquiries to Carol Sybenga at 1-800-730-3490 or e-mail
volunteer@crcna.org.
Financial contributions for CRWRC’s response, however, are urgently needed.
Checks, marked “Haiti Earthquake 2010” can also be sent to:
| CRWRC-US 2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49560. Ph: 1-800-55-CRWRC |
CRWRC-Canada 3475 Mainway P.O. Box 5070 STN LCD 1 Burlington, Ontario, L7R 3Y8 Ph: 1-800-730-3490 |
i heard about your blog from a friend, we work for an organic farmers’ co-op in Lancaster, PA (www.lancasterfarmfresh.com) and was pleasantly surprised to read this blog entry. I find it difficult (in my area, anyway) to find fellow Christians who care about eating locally and healthfully. Just wanted to give kudos for the work you. love your blog!