World Vision Takes Corporate Approach To Haiti Aid

An immense disaster requires a correspondingly large-scale response. That is the approach being taken by World Vision, the Christian relief and development organization, who is doing something a bit out of the ordinary in a bid to yield extraordinary results.

World Vision is asking corporations for cash so that it can purchase needed supplies in South Florida and nearby Dominican Republic for shipment to Haiti. These donations will fund the second wave of supplies for Haiti, following what World Vision already has in place and has begun to distribute.

Speaking about what World Vision has established, Amanda Pennington, communications officer for World Vision’s Global Pre-Positioning Resource Network said, “When emergencies like this earthquake happen, it is critical that people gain access to basic supplies as quickly as possible. We keep supplies like these ready at all times in warehouses around the world, so that we can move immediately when emergencies like this happen anywhere.”

Emergency Kits Needed

World Vision’s appeal is simple, yet direct: they are requesting cash donations from corporations and/or the formation of co-branded fundraising campaigns with employees, customers, and other partners. According to this non-government organization, funds raised will be used to “stock emergency kits, which will include items such as personal hygiene products, kitchen sets, and water purification tablets. Emergency kits are designed to serve families of five and cost $100 each.”

Corporations can join World Vision’s Haiti Relief Response by calling (800) 642-1616.

Haiti’s main airport is located in Port-au-Prince, seat of government for the country and the area hardest hit by Tuesday’s 7.3 temblor with more than 3 million people affected. That airport is currently closed except for military flights which means that private flights from World Vision warehouses in Denver, CO and Panama City, FL are currently grounded.

Rapidly Deteriorating Conditions

Conditions on the ground have deteriorated rapidly with Steve Matthews, a veteran aid worker and communications team member for World Vision reporting via SMS, “Much worse than expected. Bodies in the streets. Mass destruction, injured children. Some really bad. People receiving med treatment in the streets. Chaos. People digging out bodies all over PaP. Prayer and a lot of cash needed.”

World Vision describes its efforts in Haiti as being a marathon, yielding immediate aid for Haitians while remaining committed to serving for the long term, building on the work they began there three decades ago. Their goal is to raise $25 million from corporate partners, while anticipating that more money may be necessary.

The initial reports of the damage and suffering in Haiti only offer a hint of what is unfolding there, with the full magnitude of the destruction and needs of the people not yet seen.

Source: World Vision

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