Bloggers for Haiti

I like many others have been shook to the core by the events in Haiti.  As a mother this just breaks my heart.  To try to explain to my boys what has happened and why, well it is so hard.

How do you explain that yes a natural disaster, the earthquake caused the devastation and that a dictatorship is prolonging the pain and preventing the aid and aid workers from getting to the areas that they need.

British Mummy Bloggers are clubbing together to publicise the plight of this horrendous event.  I would like to publicise two ways to donate.


Firstly the DEC, the Disasters Emergency Committee, which was formed in 1963.  they are an umbrella organisation for 13 humanitarian aid agencies.

At times of overseas emergency, the DEC brings together a unique alliance of the UK's aid, corporate, public and broadcasting sectors to rally the nation's compassion, and ensure that funds raised go to DEC agencies best placed to deliver effective and timely relief to people most in need.  You can donte here .

In addition to this Bloggers for Haiti are collecting for Shelter Survival boxes



ShelterBox is such a unique organisation, because what they provide is an entire rescue kit in a box.  Each box contains:

• A ten-person tent with privacy partitions that allow its occupants to divide the space as they see fit
• A range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall
• Life-saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.
• A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters.  These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.
• A wood burning or multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint.  This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.
• Each box can be adapted to the individual needs of the disaster area, for example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from one storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so ShelterBox just sent tents, packing two in each box.  The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past – from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
• And lastly, but I think just as importantly, each box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens.  For children who have lost most, if not all, of their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.

These boxes cost around £490, please donate at the Bloggers for Haiti page and help another parent look after their family.

Please help however you can.