Categories: News
      Date: January 14, 2010
     Title: Disaster fund established to help Chile and Haiti earthquake victims

On the evening of January 12, 2010, a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. It is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years.  Chile experienced a 8.8 magnitude earthquake on February 27, 2010.

On the evening of January 12, 2010, a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. It is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years. Chile experienced a 8.8 magnitude earthquake on February 27, 2010.

In Haiti, it is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years. The tremor struck 15km (10 miles) south-west of the capital Port-au-Prince, and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reports describe the destruction to affect as much as 70 percent of the buildings, with debris filling the roads making emergency response difficult.  

In Chile, the cities with highest population density in the country, including the regions of Valparaiso, O'Higgins, Maule, Araucania and Bio-Bio, were hardest hit.  Aftershocks are still occurring in the country.

United Way Worldwide's Core Crisis Team has been mobilized and is in contact with United Way's Caribbean Regional Team and United Way members in the Latin American region to gather more information about the needs on the ground.  Marion County residents can donate on-line to United Way's Worldwide Disaster Fund: https://www.unitedway.org/disasterfund (choose Disaster Recovery/Rebuilding, Chile or Haiti).

By phone: call 1-866-404-5826.  Questions about the Fund can be directed to this toll-free number.

Mobile Giving: Make a $10 donation by texting CHILE or HAITI to 864833 (UNITED). Standard text messaging rates apply.

Checks can also be sent to the following address with the Fund reference in either memo line or enclosed correspondence: United Way Worldwide P.O. Box 630568 Baltimore, MD 21263-0568.

Gifts to the Fund will support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by disaster and to address educational, financial and health-related challenges.