Blogging for Haiti

An injured child in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

We’ve all seen the horror unfolding in Haiti this past week after a earthquake hit the country on Wednesday, 13 January.  The country, already desperately in need from years of natural disasters and political unrest, has been shaken to the core.  It’s been difficult for aid and assistance to get into the country due to airport difficulties and other political ridiculousness that no one understands.  What is clear is that people are dying, suffering, hungry and injured.  Families have been devastated, children have been orphaned and a country lies in ruin.  What can we do?

Well, I’m continually amazed by the generosity and giving of UK Bloggers.  A campaign originated yesterday thanks to Englishmum to raise funds for Haiti by gathering donations for ShelterBox.  As of Sunday morning (17 January), over £1000 has been raised by generous bloggers and followers.  The ShelterBox donations fund this amazing box:

ShelterBox

Shelter

At the heart of every ShelterBox is a ten-person tent. It is custom made for ShelterBox by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Internally, each tent has privacy partitions that allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit.

A smile

Every box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lostmost, if not all,their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.

Warmth and protection

In addition to the tent, the boxes contain a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.

Self sufficiency

A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters can be found in every box. These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.

Fit for purpose

Every item is durable, practical and brand new. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past – from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.

A heart to the home

A key piece in every box is either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove – that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.

Adaptability

We keep a broad range of equipment in stock so we can adapt the contents of a box to a specific disaster. For example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged fromone storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so we just sent tents, packing two in each box.

The Bloggers for Haiti Just Giving page can be found HERE.  It’s so easy to donate…just click and you’re making a difference in the lives of so many who are suffering in Haiti.  Major kudos to the amazing bloggers who have created this initiative…we’re not just writing about our children’s poos and mothering struggles are we?  Do something great…make a donation.  I’m pretty proud to be a blogger today.