CBC Haiti Relief

A special CBC website called Haiti Relief has been created to make it easier to help. If you wish to donate there is a comprehensive list of links to registered charities.

Share photos and stories, and browse links to social media communities. Get emergency contact information and much more.

Visit the Haiti Relief website.

(Editor's note: What follows is a partial list of links to groups sending aid to Haiti. For the full collection of aid resources, see CBC Haiti Relief .)

Port-au-Prince, the impoverished Haitian capital, was hit with a devastating earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010, that caused the collapse of several buildings and an unknown number of fatalities. The 7.0-magnitude quake had its highest intensity in an area where at least 1.8 million people live.

A list of ways to get involved in relief efforts and stay connected with those still in Haiti is provided below.

Contacting family members, friends

Canadians attempting to contact family members or friends in Haiti can call the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade emergency operation centre at 1-800-387-3124, or inquire by email at sos@international.gc.ca.

DFAIT is also advising Canadians who need assistance in Haiti to travel to the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince on Delmas Road, between Delmas 75 and 71. Canadians can also contact embassy officials by calling 613-996-8885.

Social networking:

Support:

The federal government is earmarking up to $50 million to match Canadians' donations of up to $100,000 to charities aiding relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The donations must meet the following requirements:

  • Made by an individual Canadian.
  • Made to a registered Canadian charitable organization that is receiving donations in response to the Jan. 12 Haiti earthquake.
  • Specifically earmarked by such organizations for the purpose of responding to the earthquake.
  • Made between Jan. 12 and Feb. 12, 2010.

The Canadian International Development Agency has more information on Canada's Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.

The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Donations can be earmarked to the Haiti earthquake fund. Canadians who wish to give may donate online by clicking here. Donations can also be made by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by visiting any Red Cross office.

Evaluating a charity

Before making a donation, consumers should take precautions to evaluate a charity. Here are some tips:

  • Check the database of registered charities on the Canada Revenue Agency's website. Registered charities are authorized to issue donation receipts for income tax purposes. Contact the charity to confirm that they do provide official donation receipts to donors. Cheques should be made out to an organization, not an individual.
  • Call the charity or look on their website to see how your donation will be used.
  • Ask for supporting literature on the charity's past missions to learn more about the charity.
  • Check the Department of Foreign Affair's guidelines on how Canadians can help.

The Canadian Red Cross sent $200,000 immediately to support emergency relief efforts on the ground and is on standby to provide additional emergency assistance. The Red Cross response includes evacuation support, search and rescue efforts and providing shelter and first aid. Local Red Cross volunteers continue to work round the clock to help the many people affected by this disaster.

UNICEF Canada is taking donations for the earthquake in Haiti. An income tax receipt will be issued for all donations $25 or more. For donations less than $25, receipts will be issued upon request. Please email secretary@unicef.ca or call 1-800-567-4483.

United Nations World Food Programme is accepting donations for the relief effort.

The Salvation Army in Canada is sending $100,000 US in aid and has started a fundraising campaign. You can also use your cellphone to send a donation by text message.

Médecins Sans Frontières Canada (Doctors Without Borders) is setting up clinics to replace damaged medical facilities in Haiti. The group is also working to bring more teams into the country.

World Vision is preparing to distribute emergency supplies to those affected by the earthquake. World Vision has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, helping an estimated 300,000 Haitians each year to overcome poverty through providing access to education, clean water and nutrition, as well as helping families with medical care.

Oxfam Canada is taking donations for the Humanitarian Coalition Appeal For Haiti.

Health Partners International of Canada is supplying medical aid.

The Humanitarian Coalition — Care/Oxfam Canada/Oxfam Quebec/Save the Children. In collaboration with a number of organizations, The Humanitarian Coalition is taking donations for relief for those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA is asking for any donation possible to support its emergency response fund.

Yele Haiti was established by musician Wyclef Jean to inspire change through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment. Yele Haiti is accepting donations to help make a difference in Haiti via its website. Because of high traffic to the website, Yele is accepting donations through mobile phones, with people able to text the word "YELE" to 501501 to make a $5 contribution. Yele Haiti can also be followed on Twitter. Yele Haiti is not a registered charity in Canada.

Plan Canada has been operating in Haiti for nearly 40 years. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-387-1418. To donate $5 by text: HAITI to 30333

Mennonite Central Committee is responding with emergency relief supplies and will be in Haiti for the long term in reconstruction and trauma support and other work to be determined. Call 1-888-622-6337 to donate or for more information.

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is collecting for aid work in Haiti.

The Christian Children's Fund of Canada is accepting donations on behalf of the Haitian earthquake victims.

United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Greater Toronto and Combined Jewish Appeal of Montreal have established funds for humanitarian relief aid to the afflicted areas. In Toronto call 416-635-2883 and in Montreal call 514-345-2600.

Chalice has set up a relief fund to help the recovery efforts.

Concerned Canadians can also donate to B'nai Brith Canada 's relief fund.