Haiti

I posted this on my facebook page earlier today-

This is what bothers me most about what happened in Haiti.

No one gave a shit about them before.

No one gave a shit about them when President Aristide was ousted in a U.S. backed Coup.

Now millions of dollars will flood into that country and it will go right into the pockets of the multi national corporations that are already drooling at the mouth over their new opportunities to "fix" Haiti none of which will likely benefit the people who live there that so desperately need the help right now.

Make damn well sure you take a good look at the financial records and history of ANY organization that you donate money to and you know how that money is spent (how much of it goes directly to help victims vs. how much of it goes to line the pockets of certain individuals).

Some things from friends-

Karen Michel and her husband, Carlo Thertus have formed the Haiti Relief Organization. Carlo is from Haiti.

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Comments

Sandy said…
I saw it and after living through Hurricane Katrina and now listening to the "rebuilding" process every day on our local news I do research who I give my money to. So many people don't realize this and it's sad that people take advantage. No one realizes that New Orleans wasn't the only city affected by Katrina and it seems to be the only city that can't seem to rebuild. Sad to wonder where the money went.

Biloxi, MS and a lot of other cities along the coast line were hit really bad and they are already rebuilt. Different states, different politics.

Lots of investigations going on in New Orleans right now. I'm not sure if any of the donated money went to any of the people who are being arrested but I'm sure it is all passed around somehow. It pisses me off for others to take advantage when people are hurting and need help, I totally understand where you're coming from.
9:40 PM
Kelley Carey MacDonald said…
My first visit to your blog, and I totally agree.
4:44 AM
Viki said…
Doctors without Borders is who I usually give money to for disaster relief. This is a really great organization.
6:33 AM
Diva Kreszl said…
One must always research an organization before making a charitable donation. I'm not sure that I agree that no one cared about Haiti before this happened, I know quite a few people who are stranded there because they were already in Haiti doing mission work and I have read of many other groups that are in the same situation. While it is true that their gov't suffers from corruption we still need to offer our help, we just need to be sure the money flows in the right direction.
8:54 AM
Ruth said…
Kelly - Many people have cared and worked for genuine change in Haiti over the years. Two of them were my sister and brother-in-law. My BIL taught people to dig wells that require little cost to maintain and my sister did AIDS education. Some people can channel their outrage into action.
9:21 AM
Zoe, ontheroad said…
Thanks, Kelly, for posting the info on Karen & Carlos.
11:52 AM
Anonymous said…
Kelly, I agree with what you said about Haiti and about who you donate money to. One of the big name "help" groups pays their CEO a huge salary, I wouldn't donate to them but they are the one you hear most about on tv, etc. Thanks for the heads up about Carlo's organization.
Mary L
10:36 AM
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