For Immediate Release:
August 31, 2010
Red Cross needs to replenish supplies stretched thin by assistance to Haiti
There are many opportunities to give
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is urging residents to donate to the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, which has seen its resources depleted with the outpouring of assistance to Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake.
The community support to those affected by the Haiti earthquake has made people forget about the needs right here in Monmouth County. Yet the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross is continuing to raise funds to help residents of Monmouth County in the event of a disaster.
“While all of this money is providing substantial relief to the plight of the Haitian people, funds to help Monmouth County have been depleted or neglected,” Freeholder John D’Amico said. “Even though the Haitian tragedy happened eight months ago, the need to give has not diminished.
The global Red Cross network has provided emergency shelter materials for 625,000 people; cash grants and loans to help nearly 210,000 people; water for 280,000 people each day, food for 1.3 million people for one month; medical care and health education for 435,000 people, semi-permanent shelters to house 165,000 people and emergency supplies for use during the hurricane season.
“There is still a tremendous need in Haiti – more than the American Red Cross can provide by itself – to rebuild the homes, the economy, the health care system, the schools, and the transportation network,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “Still, we must ensure that we are prepared for any local emergencies, and the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross is doing just that.”
The American Red Cross remains committed to helping Haitians recover and rebuild, and it is on track to spend more than $200 million by January 2011. The Red Cross estimates that the cost to restore the country to its pre-earthquake condition hovers somewhere around $12 billion.
“The recovery in Haiti will take a long time and will be very difficult,” Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. “But it’s important for our residents to take part in the many fund-raising events here in New Jersey to help replenish local assistance coffers.”
The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, based in Tinton Falls, has a variety of opportunities for people to give.
For example, on Sept. 12 the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross kicks off the 13th annual Rock ’n’ Ride Bike Tour and Party in the Park set on Long Beach Island, beginning at 8 a.m. at Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars. Riders can choose tours of various lengths.
Other opportunities to get involved and give can be found online at http://jerseycoast-redcross.org/
“The support and generosity of our state legislators, local elected officials and community leaders have led the American Red Cross-Jersey Coast Chapter for the past 125 years,” said Tara Kelly, CEO of the Jersey Coast Chapter. “Through their support we have helped thousands of local families and saved millions of lives, trained lifeguards who protect our beaches and collected blood for all our area hospitals. We need to continue this tradition and keep our communities safe and taken care of 24 hours a day 365 days a year. We need your help.”
Earthquakes are not the only disaster that Haiti has to contend with. Located in the Caribbean, Haiti also is at risk from the many hurricanes that threaten.
“With the hurricane season in full swing, it creates another peril as many of the Haitians are living under tarps or tents,” Freeholder John P. Curley said. “I am glad to see the Red Cross is allocating some of its funds to be ready to respond in the event a hurricane strikes here.”
“Health care is a very important issue for anyone dislocated by a natural disaster,” Freeholder Amy A. Mallet said. “The Red Cross is spending nearly $10 million to keep a Haitian hospital open, pay the salaries of more than 1,800 doctors, many of whom have not been aided since before the earthquake, and providing funds for prosthetics for the injured.”
“Giving to the Red Cross should not only occur during an emergency,” Mallet added. “There are ongoing needs and new disasters that will need to be addressed.”
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