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January 20, 2010

Carlos Castaneda is Samaritan’s Purse Canada’s international regional director for West Africa and Haiti for Operation Christmas Child. He is in Haiti to help with the relief efforts. This is his third blog post from Haiti.

The day began very early yesterday. With the bright light of dawn, one of our planes came with more cargo aid.

I want to share a very neat story that encouraged our team very much. The pilot of one of the planes doing the runs from Florida to Port au Prince asked me to come on board as all the cargo was on the ground. With a big smile he handed me an envelope and said, “this is from our company to Samaritan’s Purse.” He is one of the small airline owners. I counted the bills and it was a very generous gift, my heart felt so warm. We sat down in a small area by the cockpit and chatted for a little while. The juice and muffins he offered me were delicious, especially after a night of vigil at the airport. Then, with his index finger, he pointed to a small crucifix hanging in a corner. “Do you know the name of my plane,” he asked. “The bread of God.” The day before, we had talked for some time, and I really enjoyed his stories and outlook on life. So just before I climbed down the narrow ladder of his cargo plane, I asked him whether he mind if I prayed for him. I put my arm around him and prayed. We both had watery eyes as we said good bye.

As I had mentioned earlier, the overwhelming response of the international community to this disaster is felt in all of its force here at the airport. Bolivia arrived today with aid. Once again, I felt so touched thinking of a country with so many needs like Bolivia, and yet being present here in Haiti.

Tensions have increased as the needs of the population get more desperate. This morning there were more military reinforcements by the gate we use to get in and out of the airport. Security is an issue we all are concerned about, with many inmates are on the loose as prison buildings collapsed during the earthquake, besides the heightened incentives for looting and lawlessness.

Our team is working very hard. Distributions of plastic sheeting for temporary housing, blankets and basic survival kits are being distributed through our local partners and churches. Tomorrow, the water technical team will be travelling to some of the areas Southwest of Port au Prince, where there is much damage, in order to assess the needs for water. We continue supplying the Baptist Haiti Mission Hospital in Fermat with much needed materials. The operational capacity of the hospital represents a lifeline for many people that otherwise would not be able to have access to medical help.

Please continue supporting us with your prayers and with your financial help.

Carlos

Seven-year-old's bike ride raises $80,500 in one day

Agence France-Presse

A seven-year-old British boy told Sunday how he raised more than $80,500 U.S. in a day for survivors of the Haiti earthquake by doing a sponsored bike ride.

Charlie Simpson set out to collect just $800 for a UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) appeal by cycling eight kilometres around his local park in London -- but his efforts inspired hundreds of people to donate online.

"I just think it was quite sad when I saw the pictures on the TV," said the youngster.

His mother, Leonora, helped him create a sponsorship form and said the document quickly spread around the Internet and the enormous sum was donated in one day.

"He really felt strongly about this and thought that something had to be done," she said.

"But what started off as a little cycle round the park with his dad has turned into something a lot bigger than that and we can't believe it.

"I am extremely proud of our Charlie, he's done really well. He's worked hard and he's raised a phenomenal amount of money so we couldn't ask for anything more."

Donations from his JustGiving website go to UNICEF, which is leading emergency relief efforts on water, sanitation, education and nutrition as well as supporting child protection.

UNICEF said it was the first time anyone had collected $80,500 in one day for the fund and the money would make "a huge difference."

"It's always heartwarming when any child starts to respond and there's something quite special about a child in the UK reaching out to the children of Haiti," said spokesman Michael Newsome.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake, which hit Haiti on Jan. 12, has killed tens of thousands of people.