We have heard–and likely we will continue to hear–about just how unbelievable the situation is in the aftermath of earthquake in Haiti. People who had been there before the quake would tell you that it is almost impossible to imagine the level of poverty.
And that was before the unthinkable devastation of a major 7.0 earthquake came.
There are good people who are doing amazing things to move as much aid to this nation as quickly and efficently as possible. Organizations like AmeriCares, based here in Connecticut, that are moving literally tons of food, medicine, and other necessities in, to aid in what will likely be an unprecedented relief effort.
So what can an ordinary person do? You could give a little something. A few bucks. Right now. By doing something simple that you probably do multiple times every day.
Just by texting a message to one of a series of specific charities. In an effort that has been established by the Mobile Giving Foundation, so that you can send $5 or $10 that will get added right on your cellular bill. (No, I hadn’t heard of the Mobile Giving Foundation either, until pointed to an article by Kristi Helms writing for the Seattle Times.)
So here is how you do it:
Text the word “Yele” to 501501 to donate $5 to the Yele Foundation, the leading contributor to rebuilding Haiti founded by Wyclef Jean.
Text the word “Haiti” to 25383 to donate $5 to the International Rescue Committee
Text the word “Haiti” to 85944 to donate $5 to the Rescue Union Mission and MedCorp International
Text the word “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross.
Text the word “Haiti” to 45678 (In Canada Only) to assist the Salvation Army in Canada.
After you send the word as a text, you’ll get a confirmation back which you have to respond to, in order to confirm your donation. The whole process took me about a minute to do.
So let’s face it, you could make a bunch of excuses–or you could just give a little something to help out as easily as you could send a text. Or you could give–and then send a text message urging someone you know to give too.
Imagine how amazing it would be if everybody did.