The media has done a great job of covering this (especially CNN), so the idea of happy hours for Haiti boggles my mind. This isn’t an issue that needs awareness. Unless you’re a jackass that lives under a rock, you’re aware of what’s going on. (This is specifically to the US, because when I walk around in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, I have a feeling that plenty of people have no idea about this, but that’s another issue for another day.) We don’t need to drink to donate to money. There doesn’t need to be a mass gathering. it would be more effective to just send an email t friends reminding them to donate. I would love to receive as many as these as possible, however, I’m not partying for Haiti (I mean, I’m out of the country, but I wouldn’t go if I was there.) Save the gas money it would take to get to one of these events and the cost of drinks and add that to the donation. Take the time of organizing these events and use it knocking on doors in your community or through the Internet to reach even more people. That’s if, you really want to help and not just make a name for yourself. OH! And this is more troublesome for me because you want me to give you the money and then hope it gets there when this texting campaign is so damn easy. I’ll pass.

And for the celebrities making Haiti songs and participating in telethons, I’m not convinced unless you’re also donating. I think this George Clooney inspired telethon is fine (especially since Clooney has given USD $1 million) as long as the celebrities aren’t just using it as a great photo opportunity. Actually, I don’t think they should be allowed to participate unless they give a substantial amount. Haiti needs money for food and water, not collaboration songs. Does it seem like they’re partying in the streets as they walk by cadavers?

So yes, please continue to support, pray for and send funds to Haiti. The country desperately needs our help. What it doesn’t need is a bunch of people exploiting this tragedy.

Simple ways to donate:

Red Cross: Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 or donate online.

Yele: Text ‘Yéle’ to 501501 to donate $5 or donate online.

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