Country devstated by second huge earthquake
A Scots aid charity has launched an urgent appeal to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti, which has left around half a million children in need of emergency humanitarian help.
Tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed by the 7.2 magnitude disaster and there is a further fear of aftershocks. People are in urgent need of food, safe water, and shelter.
Mary's Meals, which provides a daily nutritious meal to children in schools in some of the world’s poorest communities, has been supporting children in Haiti for 15 years and works closely with four well-established and trusted local partners across the country.
The charity is now supporting those partners to deliver emergency ration packs to families in the worst affected areas.
Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, said: “Before the earthquake hit many communities in Haiti were already vulnerable, as the country struggles with ongoing political unrest and extensive long-term damage from previous natural disasters. This latest catastrophe has left hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need.
“Alongside our incredible local partners, as funds allow, we will do all we can to reach as many people as possible with essential supplies at this heart-breaking time. We are grateful for the generosity of those who can help us reach families who are struggling to survive in the aftermath of this devastating situation.”
Marie-Flore Chipps, co-founder of Mary’s Meals’ local partner Summits Education, added: "As we witness our country come together again with resilience and perseverance, support in this time will be pivotal in ensuring that communities affected by this disaster will overcome its aftermath and thrive once again."
In Haiti, around 100,000 children currently receive Mary’s Meals each school day. Although the regions where the charity provides meals have not been directly affected by the earthquake, it is determined to reach those in critical need at this time.
Mary’s Meals currently reaches more than 1.8 million hungry children in 19 of the poorest countries with a daily school meal.
