Update from Haiti

A big thank you to everyone who supported The Big Give appeal for Haiti. We were delighted to raise over £175,000 for 12 aid agencies, including Medair, British Red Cross and Oxfam, and thought we’d give you a quick update on exactly how your money is helping to save lives.

Initially, Oxfam provided immediate help and equipped local people with tools to help them search for loved ones. Then, as aid began to reach the country, Oxfam concentrated on providing safe drinking water. They continue to do so on a daily basis and are also helping to improve sanitation in the camps, fighting to stop the spread of deadly diseases. They are currently providing clean water and sanitation to around 230,000 people and will provide for around 600,000 in the coming six months.

Medair have been concentrating on providing housing for the thousands who lost everything during the earthquake. The shelters they provide start as steel structures with a waterproof covering and then can later be used as the foundations for a more permanent home. There is a great community spirit as families help each other to build their new homes and real hope as Haitians can finally move out of the temporary camps and into places of their own.

Many thanks to all those who gave to our appeal. These are just a couple of ways that your money is making a real difference and none of this would have been possible without your support.