Local efforts are underway to help Haiti after a devastating earthquake Tuesday.
Donations are pouring in to the Thunder Bay branch of the Canadian Red Cross to help with the devastation in Haiti. Thunder Bay residents have been opening their hearts and their wallets to help with the efforts to buy essentials including food, shelter and clothing, for the people of Haiti.
Thunder Bay District Branch Manager of the Canadian Red Cross Rob Kilgour said as of late Thursday afternoon more than $12,000 has been donated to their local office for the Haiti aid efforts. Kilgour said they've had about ten volunteers in the office taking phone calls.
Some people have reportedly been moved to tears while making their donations. Kilgour said people of all income levels have been calling in an effort to help those who have lost everything.
Red Cross Local Fund Development Manager Rob Zuback said they're having an issue with their online donation portal. He asks those who want to donate to either go to the branch office on Barton Street or to call the toll-free Canadian Red Cross number.
Zuback said they aren't going door to door for donations. If people come knocking on your door asking for donations it may be a scam, as this has happened in another city.
The Salvation Army is also collecting donations to help the residents of Haiti. The national organization is immediately sending $ 100,000 and has begun a fund raising campaign. Cell phone users can text the word HAITI on any Rogers or Bell phone to automatically donate five dollars to the cause. Those wanting to request information on family members can do so by contacting The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network online.
The Lakehead University African and Caribbean Students Association is also preparing to raise funds for Hait by holding two events next month. A dinner on Feb.6 and a soccer tournament starting Feb.13 will help the association raise money to construct wells on the Caribbean island.
