BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts Red Cross (SKRC) has donated over US$60 000 to the Haitian relief effort, following the devastating January 12 earthquake that left 230 000 dead and some one million homeless.
According to the President of the SKRC, Dr. Reginald O’Loughlin, the organisation filed the requisite information with the International Red Cross Society (IRCS) earlier this month and the funds are expected to be transferred by the end of next week.
The SKRC plans to donate US$21 238.72, in addition to its earlier contribution of US$41 000 on February 15.
“Our account at the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago was opened shortly after the disaster, and it was officially closed on April 30.
“We sent the pledge to the IRCS and we’re waiting for them to send us the documentation and a registration number so we can transfer the funds to a designated account...our total contribution to the international appeal will stand at US$62 238.72,” O’Loughlin explained.
Governments, individuals and organisations around the world swiftly responded to the Haitian tragedy, donating millions in humanitarian aid and dispatching rescue and medical teams to the scene.
The SKRC set an original contribution goal of EC$100 000 (US$37 244), surpassing it after the first donation. At the time of the account’s closure, the total EC contribution stood at $169 173.28, more than double that target amount.
O’Loughlin said the extensive media coverage of the earthquake had resulted in an outpouring of support from Kittitians and Nevisians.
“The magnitude and visibility of the tragedy touched persons. When you watched the coverage on CNN, it was like you were watching this happen to your neighbour. Seeing the damage and suffering made it more real for persons and I think that spurred them to contribute in large numbers.”
TDC, SL Horsfords, the National NGO Coalition, Antioch Baptist Church and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Staff Association were identified as major contributors to the fund, with each entity donating at least EC$5 000.
The administrations of Windsor University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine also displayed their charitable side, with the former donating EC$30 000 in March.
“We are grateful to all those groups, organisations, business entities and the general public at large for the outpouring of support in the hour of need for the people of Haiti.
“We look for your continued support in kind through donations to our general disaster account or with your time, by becoming a volunteer member with the Red Cross,” said O’Loughlin.
