Rocklanders Extend Help To Haiti After Earthquake

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Across the Hudson Valley, many are gearing up to help the people of Haiti after the weekend's devastating earthquake.

Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency raised the number of deaths from the quake to 2,189 from an earlier count of 1,941 and said more than 12,000 people were injured, the Associated Press reported.

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake destroyed more than 7,000 homes and damaged more than 12,000, leaving about 30,000 families homeless, officials said. Schools, offices and churches also were demolished or badly damaged. The quake wiped out many of the sources of food and income that the poor depend on for survival in Haiti, which is already struggling with the coronavirus, gang violence and the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the AP reported.

“Rockland County is home to a vibrant Haitian community and as reports come in of the damage and destruction caused by the earthquake my heart breaks for those who were affected by yet another natural disaster," County Executive Ed Day said over the weekend. "I have just spoken with leaders in our local Haitian community to pledge my support and the support of Rockland County government in any recovery efforts. I ask all Rockland residents to keep this island and its people in their thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks.”

Doing what they can, Rockland-based Haitian non-profit community organization Konbit Neg Lakay in Spring Valley has started a GoFundMe drive. They've raised $3,912 toward their $100,000 goal. The money will be used to purchase medical supplies and more.

In addition, they're collecting items such as toiletries, non-prescription medicines and nonperishable foods. One of the drop-off locations is the New City office of Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski: 67 N Main St. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Items will be accepted until Aug. 26.

The Afya Foundation, an international relief organization based in Westchester, has also mobilized. On Tuesday it took a shipment of 50 Luggage for Life bags each filled with 50 pounds of supplies including PPE like gowns, face shields, gloves and mask; wound care supplies such as gauze, bandages, splints, stabilizers and sutures; and IV starter kits to its longtime partner, Zanmi Lasante, a sister organization to Partners In Health in Haiti that works with a network of 15 clinics and hospitals across the Central Plateau and lower Artibonite.

Afya asks:

1. Financially support our work in the land we love - DONATE
   
2. A tent - Aquin needs a large tent to serve as an interim hospital. If you have access to a tent email david.bourns@afyafoundation.org
3. Contacts in aviation - We need to get additional shipments on flights, if you have contacts in aviation or access to a private plane, we need you! Email Danielle.butin@afyafoundation.org