Source & Credit:York Region | January 25, 2010
By Omar Mosleh | Vaughan
A number of community initiatives here at home are helping to make a difference to the people of Haiti.
Humanity First, an international humanitarian organization based in Maple, was one of the first local organizations to get involved.
Just a few days after the initial Jan. 12 earthquake, the group sent a team to Haiti to help with relief. Now, 14 of its members are there.
Humanity First executive director Dr. Aslam Daud speaks with members of the expedition on a regular basis. He said the situation on the ground is grim.
"The aid workers are overwhelmed," he said. "They have minimal resources and they're sleeping on floors. They see oceans of people and, wherever they go, people are in need of some type of help."
Humanity First has received a number of generous donations, but so far it's still not enough, he said.
"The amount of money and help needed is tremendous," Dr. Daud said. "It's a desperate situation."
Humanity First is the only organization running a health clinic outside of a hospital, he said, adding that the 18 hospitals in Port-au-Prince are completely full.
Dr. Daud said they are aiming to raise money for at least another three weeks, and hoping to continue for up to six. A fundraising event is set for Feb. 4.
Parents and students from Thornhill Woods Public School organized Thornhill Woods Kids For Haiti, a walk-a-thon to raise money and collect food for victims of the Haiti earthquake. All proceeds go to the Canadian Red Cross.
Kleinburg Christian Academy will also hold an indoor winter carnival, with 50 per cent of proceeds going to Haiti relief through World Vision.
"The whole idea is to not only look out for our own interests, but also the interests of others," principal Garry Zondervan said.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
-Dine and Let Humanity Shine event, Thurs., Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. Woodbine Banquet Hall, 30 Vice Reagent Rd., Rexdale. Tickets $100 per person or $1,000 for table of 10. Call 416-440-0346 to order tickets or e-mail info@humanityfirst.ca
-Thornhill Woods Kids for Haiti walk-a-thon on Mon., Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Thornhill Woods park, Thornhill Woods Drive, across from the public school. Bring donation of cash or food.
-Kleinburg Christian Academy indoor winter carnival on Sat., Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 6950 Nashville Rd. Free admission, ticket prices for attractions to be announced.
Read here: HELP FOR HAITI: 'Oceans of people in need' reports Vaughan organization in Haiti
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