How We Can Help Haiti

The outpouring of support for the people of Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake last week has been remarkable, and Girl Scouts across the country have pitched in to help in many different ways. We know, however, that after natural disasters like these, sending funds is often the best way to help.

Given the catastrophic events in Haiti, GSUSA’s Executive Committee unanimously adopted, and GSUSA’s National Board ratified on Friday, January 22, 2010, the following:

That the Executive Committee of Girl Scouts of the USA’s National Board of Directors, on the National Board’s behalf, adopts a special rule of order to allow girl members to engage in activities, which may include the direct solicitation of money, from January 14 through September 8, 2010, to support emergency relief for the January 12 earthquake disaster in Haiti.  Monies raised shall be contributed only to organizations on the approved list of agencies (listed below); additions to the list shall be approved by the National President and CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA.

This now makes it possible for our girls to raise much needed funds for relief efforts in Haiti. Please take note that the money our girls raise can be contributed only to those agencies on the list below. Much ofHaiti is in ruins and a second major earthquake struck the country on last Wednesday. The loss of life and suffering has been heartbreaking. This action by GSUSA’s National Board will serve as yet another opportunity for all Girl Scouts as a Movement to do what we can to help the people of Haiti in their time of need.

List of Agencies

• The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is accepting donations through its International Response Fund.

• Pan American Development Foundation

  The foundation is encouraging people to donate through its Web site.

• UNICEF

UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund.
You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

• Oxfam

You can donate to Haiti online at Oxfam America.

• Save The Children

Save the Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti, Donate to Save the Children.

• Mercy Corps

Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to:
Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund
Dept NR
PO Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208

• Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders has set up clinics to treat people in Haiti. Donate to Doctors Without Borders.

• The UN World Food Programme

The UN World Food Programme is gathering all available resources to deliver   
food to the recently homeless and impoverished in Haiti. Donations can be
made through the UN World Food Programme Web site.

• CARE

CARE is deploying emergency team members to Port-au-Prince to assist in recovery
efforts. It’s focusing its efforts on rescuing children who may still be trapped in schools
that collapsed. Donate to CARE.

• The International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee is deploying an emergency response team to Haiti.
Donate to the IRC Haiti Crisis Fund.

• World Vision

World Vision has more 370 staff members in the Haiti. Donate to World Vision.

• United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)

This fund is used for emergencies like the earthquake in Haiti. Donate to CERF.