MEDIA RELEASE
January 15, 2010.
Caritas delivers aid in Haiti: calls for urgent support
Caritas, through its local partners is delivering first aid, tents and blankets to survivors of
the recent Haiti earthquake and continuing to work around the clock to assist some of the
three million people who are affected.
Caritas staff, who were out of the capital on an official meeting when the earthquake
struck, have all thankfully survived and have visited badly affected areas of the capital
Port-au-Prince yesterday to assess immediate requirements. Tents were distributed to
families in desperate need. First aid was provided to some of the survivors in clinics and
hospitals.
Caritas Haiti Head of Emergencies Joseph Jonidès Villarson said, “The hospitals are
overwhelmed with the dead and injured. The risk of disease is great”.
Jamie Davies, Director of International Programs for Caritas Australia said, “tons of relief
supplies are already prepositioned and our staff are working to get this to where it is most
desperately needed. In addition tents, blankets, water and torches are also urgently
required.
“The streets and public places are filled with people who do not know when to go. We fear
violence if the situation continues. Looting has already broken out. There is very little
visible presence of the police”. Caritas Haiti President, Bishop Pierre André Dumas has
appealed on the radio for calm and solidarity.
Jack de Groot, CEO of Caritas Australia said, “We are in solidarity with the people of Haiti.
Caritas will be providing desperately needed aid. Caritas and its church partners have
extensive experience and networks in Haiti delivering shelter, food, healthcare, and clean
water through the communities in which we work.
“We urge the Australian community to support aid efforts. Haiti is a very poor country that
desperately needs our assistance. Caritas Australia has made an initial contribution of
$100,000 in addition to the millions already allocated by our international network”.
Caritas Haiti and Caritas members working in the country have available warehouses, pre-
positioned relief supplies, over 200 medical centres, hundreds of staff and a strong
community network of volunteers that are being used to deliver aid. Caritas Internationalis
has a team of international staff on the ground supporting the national operations in areas
including food, shelter, sanitation, communications and logistics and will be committed to
the people of Haiti for the long term.
You can support the Caritas Australia Haiti Emergency Appeal by calling
More information call Tim O’Connor 0417 284 831 or 02) 8306 3444
The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development
28-32 O’Riordan St, Alexandria, NSW, Australia, 2015 Toll Free 1800 024 413 Facsimile 1800 887 895
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