Singapore, 7 October 2016 - Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is disbursing US$30,000 for emergency relief in response to Hurricane Matthew that hit Haiti. These funds will help to bring much needed support in areas of first aid and emergency health care, psychosocial support, treatment of water, sanitation assistance, cleaning and personal hygiene items, insecticide-treated mosquito nets and other disease prevention and control activities.

Mr Benjamin William, Secretary General/CEO of SRC said: “We are deeply saddened to see the devastation caused by the disaster. While there are challenges in reaching the affected communities as the storm continues to batter the region, the Haiti Red Cross and the international Red Cross Movement are well-prepared to meet the needs of survivors with a strong network of staff and volunteers.”

“Singapore Red Cross remains in close contact with our Movement colleagues on the ground. There are numerous needs to be met, in areas such as shelter, first aid, medical assistance, clean water and food. We also need to watch out for potential waterborne disease outbreaks,” he added, “We will provide further support where needed.”

The funding will also be used to help the local community build emergency shelters or make basic repairs to their damaged houses, as continuous heavy rains are expected, and may cause life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The Red Cross Movement led by the Haiti Red Cross, mobilised its volunteers who are trained in water sanitation and hygiene promotion (WASH), health, search and rescue as well as first aid, to help in the worst-hit areas including Sud, Grand Anse, Nippes, Sud-Est, Ouest and Nord-Ouest of Haiti.

Singapore Red Cross has worked in collaboration with the Haiti Red Cross, providing essential aid following the 7.0-magnitude Haiti earthquake and the subsequent cholera outbreak in 2010, as well as the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

At this point, the SRC is not launching a public fundraising appeal. However, donations can be made at Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486, during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm). Cheques can be made to ‘Singapore Red Cross Society’ and posted to the above address.

Notes:

• Donations to overseas efforts are not tax-deductible.
• In the event that donations exceed the expenses incurred by Singapore Red Cross in this specific disaster response, any surplus or unspent money, after 3 years from the date of inception of the fund, can be used to prepare for and serve communities affected by other disasters or may be used to complement or to sustain projects undertaken by SRC in helping the vulnerable in areas affected by disasters.

Image courtesy of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies