World Vision Launches Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Thursday, January 14, 2010

World Vision Australia has launched an appeal to assist survivors of the powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti today. 

World Vision immediately deployed rapid response teams in Haiti to assess the damage and the agency is preparing a relief response for survivors in affected areas. 

“World Vision will respond swiftly to this disaster,” said Anthea Spinks, the Policy Advisor from World Vision Australia’s Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs team. 

“We have relief goods prepositioned in various locations across the country, though the challenge will be getting those supplies to those in need, with severe damage to roads and infrastructure,” said Spinks. 

“We would be very concerned about a quake of this magnitude anywhere in the world, but it is especially devastating in Haiti, where people are acutely vulnerable because of poor infrastructure and extreme poverty.” 

World Vision has been working in Haiti for more than three decades and currently assists more than 300,000 people through long-term development programs and other work. 

Describing the initial tremor, World Vision staff member in Haiti, Magalie Boyer said: "It felt as if a truck had hit a wall. There is extensive damage in the city. People are getting ready to spend the night in the streets. They are not comfortable staying in their houses." 
"World Vision Haiti will distribute first aid kits to survivors, along with basic materials such as soap, blankets, clothes and bottles of water as an initial response," Boyer added. 

The public can help with donations of any amount to www.worldvision.com.au or by calling 13 32 40 

To arrange an interview please contact: 
Michelle Rice / Media / World Vision Australia 
0402 503 227 

Dominic McInernery / Media / World Vision Australia 
0428 584 809 
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Media Releases, Emergencies, Latin America and Carribean, Anthea Spinks, Disaster relief, Earthquake, Haiti, Philanthropy

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