While Building Impact keeps our donations as local as possible, there are certain times when we feel it necessary to extend our reach. The devastation wrought by the earthquake in Haiti on January 12th is one of those cases.(To learn more about the earthquake, click here). Greater Boston has the third largest Haitian-American population in our country, so any money that you donate will be going to help the loved ones of your neighbors. After researching the issue, we decided that the best way we can all help is through financial donations to organizations that are bringing aid to the earthquake victims.
Building Impact has chosen to highlight Partners in Health, (PIH) a well-established and respected international aid organization co-founded and based right here in Boston. PIH was developed in 1987 to deliver health care to the residents of rural and central Haiti. PIH is coordinating relieft efforts leveraging the skills of more than 120 doctors and nearly 500 nurses and nursing assistants who work at their health center sites in Haiti. To read more about their efforts or to make a donation, click here.
Other options include:
The Boston Foundation: In response to the tragedies unfolding in Haiti, TBF announced the creation of The Haiti Fund. All contributions to this fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $1 million, by the Ansara Family Fund. Donate by credit card by clicking here, or make check payble to The Boston Foundation with Haiti Fund in the memo line. Checks should be sent to Fund Administration, The Boston Foundation, 75 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116.
Hope for Haiti: Support relief to 45 schools in Haiti through Hope for Haiti, which works to support the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly children, through education, nutrition, and healthcare. Hope for Haiti supports 14,000 kids in 45 schools and has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
American Red Cross: (donate online or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or by texting "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross)
World Food Programme of the United Nations
The Disaster Center provides a comprehensive list of international disaster relief agencies
Options for corporate donations suggested by the Entrepreneurs Foundation:
-Match employee gifts. Some companies match employee contributions dollar for dollar, some companies match up to a certain amount (e.g. the company will match employee contributions up to $10,000, making the total combined donation $20,000).
-Consider allowing employees to donate Paid Time Off (PTO) or a day's salary.
-Conduct a fundraising campaign such as a bake sale or silent auction.
-Consider in-kind donations and providing volunteer opportunity information to your employees. As we have seen in other disasters, needs for in-kind donations and volunteers will become apparent during the recovery period, after the immediate crisis has passed. Watch for guidance from relief organizations on what type of volunteer and in-kind support is needed as when and how to donate goods such as clothing, food, and medical supplies.
