1/20/2010 Haiti Update

Another long day of work for our team in Haiti.

AFTERSHOCK – Haiti has had over 40 aftershocks so far since last Tuesday, but a large 6.0 magnitude aftershock hit early yesterday morning that was reported by many news organization. Due to the aftershock being very short and much deeper than the main earthquake, while the magnitude was large at 6.0, the damage was only psychologically. No damage at Double Harvest, but an continued uneasiness among the people of Haiti was the real impact.

FACEBOOK PAGE CREATED – We now have a Double Harvest page on Facebook to help keep more folks updated on the work going on. http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Oberlin-OH/Double-Harvest/281879714253?ref=nf . This page was the idea of a friend of Jake VanWingerden’s, and is being updated by Todd and Helen Johnson. You can view these updates there as well as the latest pictures and comments from others. In just 8 hours on Facebook, we have over 500 members join the Double Harvest Facebook page, so we are using facebook to spread the word even more.

FIRST PICTURES – The first pictures from Double Harvest and the surrounding area are on Facebook now on at the following link. 60 pictures both share the pain and suffering, as well as the help that Double Harvest is providing. Some pictures are very graphic. They are at http://www.facebook.com/#/photos.php?id=281879714253

FUEL ISSUES CONTINUE – We are pulling out all of the stops, but fuel continues to be a difficult process. From arranging delivery to just getting information on where to get fuel, we need to continue to have better luck finding sources for consistent fuel delivery. Teams are working this, but keep them in your thoughts and if you have a lead, let us know.

SURGICAL TEAM – the team of over 40 medical personnel now on the ground at Double Harvest performed surgeries ranging from setting broken bones to amputations. This is tough work and with limited medical resources/facilities, the cafeteria has now been transformed into a post operating room recovery area. Keep this team in your prayers.

REINFORCEMENTS ON THE WAY – The first responder group (Uncle John, Uncle Bob, Cousin Joey) left Double Harvest last night and returned safely to the USA. They are being “replaced” by Uncle Willem, Uncle Rich, and a fresh team of experienced folks. This will allow the energy to stay high, new supplies to be brought in, and the continued work to go on.

MORE GREAT NEWS COVERAGE – Everyone is doing a great job using their media contacts both nationally and in the their local areas. The VanWingerden in Connecticut at Growers Direct Farms got the attached coverage on their local TV station to help drive awareness to the work at Double Harvest. http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/station/as-seen-on/Somers_Family_With_Haitian_Ties_Needs_Your_Help_Hartford.html Kim McCulloch also did a segment on the local Charlotte station on her husband Art’s work in the surgical unit at Double harvest.

PEOPLE ARE GENEROUS – Just on Wednesday, we received $18,000 on PayPay off the website ($38,000 to date in 3 days) and another $75,000 in contributions just on Wednesday along. Continue to direct people to Doubleharvest.org for donation information.

NEW LAW IN CONGRESS ON HAITIAN DONATIONS - Taxpayers who make donations for Haitian earthquake victims would be able to write off this charitable deduction when they file their 2009 taxes this spring, under a bill passed by the House Wednesday. Under current law, donors would have to wait until they file their 2010 returns next year to take the deductions. But the newly advanced bill would allow donations made by the end of February to be deducted from 2009 returns. The bill passed on a voice vote with no opposition. Quick Senate action is expected. A similar law was enacted in 2005 for donations to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP:
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*CONTINUE TO GIVE: Running the facility to an ever expanding need takes money —- plain and simple. We can do better by sourcing many needs locally in Haiti (vs. the cost of shipping items in), but it takes cash to make that happen.

*SHARE - Post this update to Facebook and email it to others. Get with your media contacts and let them share for us. Check doubleharvest.org for donation options and for updated information.

We now are getting a better sense of the physical needs at Double Harvest and should have something out on that in the next few days.