Information on Haitian Relief Efforts Available on City Web Site

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2010

For more information, please contact:
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, [mailto:lopezd@bloomington.in.gov]

Information on Haitian Relief Efforts Available on City Web Site

Bloomington, IN - To help residents eager to assist the Haitian relief effort, the City of Bloomington has devoted a page on its web site to highlight information, resources and links in the wake of last week's earthquake that decimated the Caribbean nation and was responsible for the death of tens of thousands of individuals.

"Our goal is to provide Bloomington residents with one source for information on how they can help with much-needed relief to the people of Haiti," said Mayor Mark Kruzan. "Some in the community have helped financially, others have given their time as volunteers and still others have organized special events to generate awareness. Every little bit helps, and I encourage everyone to visit the page and get involved in whatever way they can."

The page, [www.bloomington.in.gov/haitirelief|www.bloomington.in.gov/haitirelief], includes a calendar of local events supporting humanitarian efforts, instructions for text donations benefiting several active nonprofit organizations, a detailed list of volunteer opportunities and links to other home pages and resources.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday, Jan. 12, and since then a nationwide campaign to raise money and encourage volunteerism has been underway. Rescue efforts for those trapped in the rubble and damage assessments have been ongoing, but the Pan American Health Organization has offered a preliminary estimate of 200,000 casualties. Many organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the United Way, have sent aid and staff to assist in providing medical attention to survivors.

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