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February 17, 2010

An Update on Haiti

It has been over a month since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti. The situation in Haiti is without precedent, considering the unique history of the country and the absolute devastation of the epic earthquake on the afternoon of January 12th. Since that time EICanada has sent 3 teams to assist Pastor Martinez & Emma and the OEBB churches. An assessment team of three people (Jan 17-24) was followed by a relief team of four. This second team arrived in Port au Prince via Dominican Republic January 26, 2010. They were put to work immediately. A supplementary relief team of 4 was sent Feb 6th and will be coming home Feb 18th.

Relief Efforts

Much of the food distributed to date has been sourced by a Dominican church in Santo Domingo and trucked into Haiti and EICanada has applied to the World Food Program in Haiti to extend food distributions past the emergency relief phase. Plus, a number of unexpected shipments of food arrived which were packaged for distribution. A few days later, a member of a visiting medical team was able to secure a Tap-Tap (local taxi) full of water, biscuits and other supplies from the Brazilian government.

As of February 8, all the food that EICanada purchased or received in kind has already been distributed. In the distributions since January 29 more than 8,700 families have received rations; including rice, beans, cooking oil, pasta and sauce. Today another load of food is on its way from the Dominican Republic, thanks to Pastor Jose and his church contacts.

Our Parnterships

In building relationships with other NGO’s in similar circumstances we have established a partnership with ShelterBox (providing heavy-duty tents as well as medical and hygiene supplies for families of five). ShelterBox agreed to an initial contribution of 30 tents, with more to follow. On Monday, one of the first tents was given to a mom who had just given birth to her baby the day before – they were delighted to be able to enjoy the comfort being surrounded by 4 walls! We have further connected with WaterMission to provide water filtration units at Marbial and Fond Blanc, with Humedica to provide a temporary school in Marbial and to rebuild the boys’ home in Jacmel, and with World Vision to secure more food for our distribution sites.

Churches and Individual Donors

The response of over 1000 EICanada donors has been overwhelming. EICanada has received over $575,000 which includes a generous offering from FAIR (the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches relief arm) of over $387,000.

OEBB Churches have expanded their distribution efforts to 13 centres, providing food and water to 15,000 people and their families. Around 150 people will benefit from the tents from ShelterBox. The groundwork has been laid to partner with a number of different organizations, for the long term benefit of a countless number of Haitians.

I will end my update with a personal message from a young Haitian named Schneider, a 21 year-old team translator who is living with his mother and siblings under a tarp.

"Greetings Christian Friends, Dominicans, Canadians and Americans, on behalf of the Haitian people, I thank you so much for your love, care, and attention to this nation. I want to thank you more than words can express and keep your loving help and donation in my memory. You have done a super great work—come down to see the people, the tragedy we're facing, to bring love, money, food, and water. Frankly, I don't have a way I can ever express my gratitude to anyone of you, but I am praying and requesting God to reward you greatly. We will continue to grow in this loving friendship and dwell in the spirit of unity. Love, Schneider"

Blessings

Richard McGowan
Interim Executive Director

PS: there is still a long way to go in rebuilding Haiti. Please consider giving a gift today to ensure that EICanada remains a healing presence in Haiti.

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