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Yankee Clipper Council
- Boy Scouts of America Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire |
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Yankee Clipper
Council
Call to Action for Haitian Earthquake Relief
January 14, 2010
Dear Scouts and Scouters:
Last year, Cub Scout Pack 451 in Newburyport partnered with IC-Haiti a group newly formed by members of our chartered organization, to collect needed supplies for the village of Fond des Blancs in Haiti. The IC-Haiti group, which is an independent 501(c)(3) registered charity, in a very short time has assisted in building a school and eight new wells for clean water in the village and assisted in vastly improving conditions in St Boniface hospital. Pack 451’s collection greatly exceeded our expectations and we were able to send several boxes of supplies to both the hospital and school. We had planned again to engage in such a collection this spring, but events have overtaken us. Fond des Blancs is in the area hardest hit by the earthquake, but its hospital sustained only minor damage and is operational, taking a huge influx of patients from Port au Prince, where all of the hospitals were destroyed.
I now find myself in the position of asking all Yankee Clipper Council units to assist us in our relief efforts following the disastrous earthquake in Haiti earlier this week. Many of our members will want to make some type of donation to the relief efforts. I ask you please to consider joining Pack 451 in supporting IC-Haiti and the village of Fond des Blancs. While a general donation to an organization such as the American Red Cross is laudable, people who donate funds or supplies seldom know exactly where their donations end up. IC-Haiti is different – all funds and supplies provide direct relief to specific people in a specific place. Moreover, it is an organization which is staffed entirely by volunteers. Therefore 100% of donations go directly to those in need, thereby having a greater and immediate impact.
Because the earthquake has disrupted transportation, the greatest immediate need is for funds to purchase in bulk non-perishable food, medicine and clothing and arrange for their delivery. Please send your tax deductible contributions to IC-Haiti, 42 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.
This is a perfect opportunity to remind our Scouts what the little purple patch above our left pockets stands for. We in the Yankee Clipper Council are fortunate enough to know that we will have a roof over our heads and a warm bed to sleep in tonight. We know where our next meal is coming from. The people of Haiti do not have that security at the best of times. Now they have lost what little they did have. The time to act is now.
Should anyone have any questions, they may direct them to me through the contact information below. For those who are interested, more information on IC-Haiti or its partner organization, the St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, may be found at the following links:
Yours in Scouting, Bob Dignan
Cubmaster,
Pack 451, Newburyport
Email:
waywardsailor@verizon.net
Additional information and news about the Haiti Earthquake, local businesses impacted by the earthquake and other relief agencies can be found at NewburyportNews.com
Boy Scouts of America Response to Haiti
Scouts Respond to Cry For Relief in Haiti
The news coming out of Haiti is very grave. So many citizens are missing or are in need of immediate care. "Our hearts and prayers go out to those suffering at this very difficult time," said BSA International Commissioner Jim Turley.
There is one small beacon of hope. World Scouting has been in contact with a member of the Scouts and Guides of France who happened to be in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, during this horrific earthquake. "This Scouter reports that our brother and sister Scouts are helping in the relief effort. No one should ever underestimate the power of Scouting! ?Be Prepared' are not just words on a piece of paper. Rather, they are a call to action," explained Turley.
Agencies trained in disaster relief are already on the ground in Haiti. Additionally, the U.S. is sending military troops and supplies to further assist rescue and relief efforts. But there are still a number of ways members of the BSA can help in Haiti. The biggest need right now is financial resources to purchase emergency supplies; later it will be to help rebuild once the emergency of the coming days has passed.
The Boy Scouts of America is rallying its troops in an effort to join the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM) in assisting families devastated by recent earthquakes as many Scouts and Scouters have been looking for ways to assist in Haitian relief efforts. After communicating with officials of WOSM on current, mid-term and long term needs of the Haitian people, the BSA has decided to focus on sending new tents and new sleeping bags to assist those who have no shelter.
You can help the BSA effort by making a contribution to BSA's World Friendship Fund. Contributions to this fund are tax deductable and will help provide much needed shelter and sleeping comfort to those who have lost their homes. Donations to the World Friendship Fund can be made online by clicking here or by giving through your local council. Additionally, you can support the efforts of our friends at the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter or your local Salvation Army Corps community center for more information.
Many councils and units have considered starting or have already implemented relief efforts on their own. While the effort and concern is admirable, the BSA discourages such efforts due to the complexities of shipping and distribution. The BSA is working with the WOSM to ensure shipping, necessary storage, and a smooth distribution system. Therefore, financial contributions are by far the most effective means of support at this time.
Throughout its first 100 years, the BSA has been known for coming to the aid of those who are in need. As the organization begins its second century, the need is indeed great. Fortunately, the BSA's commitment of service to others is just as strong today as it was in 1910. This is an opportunity to involve Scouts and Scouters at every level in a "good turn" that will make a significant difference in thousands of lives.
Roger Schrimp, chairman of the BSA's International Committee, adds, "At the end of the day, it does not matter how big or small an individual's contribution is. We all give what we can afford. That's what we do in Scouting. These are our friends, our fellow Scouts. They need our help. ?On my honor, I will do my best!' is a pledge that each of us has taken as a Scout."
Additional National and International Aid Agencies with Relief Programs in Haiti
AmeriCares
American Red Cross’ International Relief Fund
Catholic Charities
Doctors Without Borders
Haitian Health Foundation
Oxfam America
Partners In
Development
Partners In Health
The Salvation Army
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations World Food
Program
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