Locals send thoughts, raise money for Haiti relief

The outpouring of support for the people of Haiti has been a small silver lining to the disastrous earthquake that struck nearly a month ago.

In one of the largest relief efforts in history, people from all corners of the globe have pledged donations large and small to the country, be it through texting the Red Cross, holding fundraisers or traveling to the country to get their hands dirty. The town of Middlebury has answered the call in a strong way, as well.

“Vermonters have always been incredibly generous,” said Rob Levine, the regional executive for Vermont and the New Hampshire Valley for the Red Cross.

“There is a high awareness here of the world beyond Vermont and America.”

That awareness has manifested itself in a number of ways throughout the state and in Middlebury.

“We’ve had everything from elementary fundraisers to youth groups helping out to neighborhood cookie sales,” said Levine.

In Vermont alone, Levine put the total amount of money raised in the “hundreds of thousands,” and said that thus far, the national Red Cross has spent or committed more than $78 million in various ways.

Most of this spending has gone to the establishment of a few large-scale projects. Operations have been set up to supply Haitians with one million liters of clean water per day. In addition, four warehouses run by the Red Cross, two in Port-au-Prince and two in Santo Domingo, have been opened to give people basic need items, such as blankets, medical supplies and small cookware.

On a more local scale, many small businesses have donated their time and money to help those who are suffering. American Flatbread sponsored benefit bakes at all of its locations in the week following the earthquake.

“We donated a portion of each bread sale for each night we were open,” said Solon Coburn, office administrator at American Flatbread.

“The turnout was excellent, with many people saying that they were there to show their support, in addition to having a great meal.

“We had some very positive feedback from people,” said Coburn.

“It’s always cool when people take the time to tell you those things.”

In addition to the contributions from American Flatbread, customers were able to donate in jars set up throughout the restaurant. By the end of the weekend, the bake benefit had raised more than $1,000, which was sent to Relief Partners in Health, another charity that has been heavily involved in the relief effort.

At Waterfalls Day Spa, the staff came up with a creative way to raise some money and remember the victims of the tragedy.

“We were trying to figure out something that was equal parts a show of solidarity as well as to benefit Haiti in any way we could,” said Sara Daly, owner of Waterfalls.

“People started to give ideas and we came up with the band.”

The Heal Haiti wristbands are on sale for $5 at the spa. Beyond the initial $5, if customers wear their bands to future spa treatments, five percent of the purchase goes towards the relief efforts.

“The band serves as a symbol and is done in the colors of the Haitian flag,” said Daly, helping to serve as a reminder of those who are suffering.

“We do a lot of healing here and we wanted to come up with something that would try to help heal the people of Haiti.”

Daly hopes to raise about $500 through this fundraiser, with proceeds from the bands going to the Red Cross, and proceeds from the additional contributions to go where it seems most appropriate.

While this disaster has been met with incredible support from the community both here in Middlebury and internationally, Levine stressed the presence of the smaller local tragedies that happen every day.

“This has been the second largest outpouring of monetary support, following Hurricane Katrina,” said Levine,

“but people must also remember that catastrophe also happens in Addison County. A single family lost their home in a fire in the weekend following the earthquake, and Red Cross volunteers here are crucial in assisting them.”

With the help of local businesses and townspeople, the Red Cross can continue to send aid to Haiti and maintain local support .