Co. Dublin, Ireland — 04 Mar. 2010 — Figures released by Dóchas show that donations to aid agencies working in Haiti are exceeding €21 million

Dóchas, the umbrella organisation of Ireland’s overseas development organisations, today revealed that donations to relief efforts in Haiti are being supported generously by people in Ireland.

Figures released by Dóchas show that donations to aid agencies are exceeding €21 million.

“The horrific events in Haiti and Chile have not gone unnoticed in Ireland. Despite recent calls that charity supposedly begins - and ends - at home, the people of Ireland have once again shown tremendous generosity in the face of human suffering,” said Hans Zomer, Director of Dóchas.

“In the weeks since the 12 January earthquake, the Irish public have donated over €21 million to aid agencies working in Haiti. In addition, the Government has made some €3 million available to programmes to help the people affected by this enormous disaster” continued Zomer.

A Dóchas survey of NGOs in Ireland shows that, collectively, they have received over €21 million. This number is set to rise in the coming weeks, as donations continue to come in.
NOTES FOR THE EDITOR

1. On 18 February the United Nations launched its largest ever humanitarian appeal of $1.44 billion (€1.05 billion) to assist Haitians on the road to reconstruction.

2. Several Dóchas member organisations are working to provide humanitarian assistance in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake. These include:
• ActionAid Ireland
• CBM Ireland
• Christian Aid Ireland
• Concern
• Gorta
• Irish Red Cross
• Oxfam Ireland
• Plan Ireland
• Trócaire
• World Vision Ireland

Other NGOs working in Haiti include:
• Goal
• Habitat for Humanity
• Haven
• Médecins Sans Frontières
• Tearfund Ireland
• Unicef Ireland

3. NGO representatives have indicated that thanks to the public’s generosity their short-term emergency relief work in Haiti is now funded, but that donations for Haiti are still desperately needed, as these will go towards the essential work of helping Haitians to recover and rebuild their lives in the months and years ahead.

4. Dóchas member organisations have developed a dedicated information website, outlining the key principles of effective disaster relief. The web address for this website is www.HowYouCanHelp.ie

5. Dóchas has a 2-page briefing paper on disaster relief: See http://www.dochas.ie/Shared/Files/2/Emergencies_Helping_People_Back_from_the_Brink.pdf

6. In January, Dóchas produced a detailed briefing on how Irish aid agencies respond.