Belize Red Cross raises almost $200,000 for Haiti

Despite the tough economic times, Belizeans are stepping up to assist the quake victims.  Over two hundred thousand have died and the efforts have now shifted from recovery to assisting the injured and homeless. Local artists and entertainers have been doing their part to raise funds for the cause.  But how much has really been forwarded to the Belize Red Cross Society? Quite a sizeable amount as we found out.  Marion Ali reports.

Marion Ali, Reporting

A series of tremors continues to wobble the earth around Haiti, making a bad situation more devastating. But the catastrophe has brought people together and initiatives to help victims have been so overwhelming and positive that in just over a week, the Belize Red Cross has almost doubled its anticipated target figure for relief efforts.

Lilly Bowman, Dir. Gen, Belize Red Cross Society

“These are the things that motivate our volunteers and staff to continue doing the work we do. Of course everything we do is for the vulnerable people in the world.  In this case it is for all those vulnerable people suffering in Haiti and when we see Belizeans outpouring their hearts it means that we are doing the right thing and we are in the right place. The first wire transfer will be at the end of this month.  We had set a minimum target of a hundred thousand Belize dollars.  So far we are well close to two hundred thousand.”

With the amount of donations almost doubled, Red Cross Director General, Lilly Bowman, says that by the time the organization closes its Haiti appeal, it could triple its goal.  One of the events planned to raise more funds is being finalized by promoter Troy “Dalla” Flowers.  The dance on Saturday night – so aptly dubbed “Earthquake” and featuring some of Belize’s best artists, will also likely net thousands of dollars. It was all inspired, he says, by one child on the news one night.

Troy "Dalla" Flowers

Troy “Dalla” Flowers, Promoter

“I was just watching the news with the people from Haiti and it really touched me and I seh I should do something soh I went to do Belize Red Cross and worked with them and soh in conjunction with the entertainment fraternity I would say, cause it’s basically most of the DJ’s, sound systems and artists, we came together and said let’s do a dance and all the proceeds will go to Red Cross for the people of Haiti.”

The event takes place at Club Next on Saturday night and entrance is twenty dollars.  Some of the featured artists include Supa G, Reckless, Chico Ramos, Titiman and Belizean Movements. Reporting for News Five, Marion Ali.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, issued a release saying it is accepting cash assistance. Those donations can be forwarded to NEMO’ Scotia Bank Relief account number: 193 4810.  NEMO is also accepting pledges for water, over-the-counter medication, canned foods and construction material for Haiti.