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McLennan residents set to help individuals in Haiti
Emily Plihal
Express staff
For those of you interested in aiding people in Haiti, this may be your opportunity to do so.
The United Church in McLennan will be hosting a “Hymn Sing” on Feb. 1 to raise donations for Haitians.
D.J. Hicks explains she understands many individuals have already helped by donating to Haiti in other ways, but that this will be a great opportunity for local communities to gather together to pray for the quick recovery of the country.
“We want everybody to come out and sing,” says Hicks. “It is a good thing for our community to join together and think about the Haitians in their time of need.”
Donations will be accepted at the door, with all funds going directly to the Red Cross. Hicks explains a tax deductible receipt can be obtained also upon request.
Many Haitians have been forced to flee their earthquake-ravaged capital by the hundreds of thousands. The Haitian government has promised to help nearly a half-million people move from squalid camps on curbsides and vacant lots into safer, cleaner tent cities.
A magnitude-7.0 earthquake hit the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince two weeks ago, devastating much of the city and surrounding country side. Efforts have been made throughout North America and other continents to help the country in desperate need.
The goal of the Haitian government is to halt the spread of disease at hundreds of impromptu settlements that have no water and no place for sewage. Homeless families have erected tarps and tents, cardboard and scrap as shelter from the sun.
Emergency medical centres almost everywhere were swamped with patients critically injured by the quake. There were dire shortages of surgeons, nurses, medicines and medical tools. Doctors said patients were dying of sepsis ( a life-threatening illness caused from infection) from untreated wounds.
The country is trying to scrounge together enough basic supplies to help keep their population alive. Thus, initiatives like the United Church’s will help to aide the country in dire-straits.
“This is simply an act of kindness,” says Hicks. “We hope those who can will donate at the door. And we hope that there is a big turnout on Feb. 1.”
Refreshments are to follow the hymn sing on Feb. 1 at the United Church in McLennan. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m.
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