• CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO UNICEF EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

• Haiti Earthquake Relief Donate $5 by texting YELE to 501501 OR Donate to http://www.yele.org

• Text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to @RedCross in #Haiti http://bit.ly/6KiRtE

• Show support for those affected by the Haiti earthquakes. Donate via @oxfamgb here http://bit.ly/7OPY8I

• For People in Twin Cities: to donate clothes and non-perishable goods to be sent to Haiti, please drop it off at R2K Barbershop at 3465 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis – Phone: 612-724-1657

"CBS News RAW": daytime pictures of the aftermath of the Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. There were crying victims among the downed buildings.

Desperately needed aid from around the world is slowly making its way into Haiti, where a leadership vacuum is leaving rescuers scrambling on their own to save the trapped and injured and get relief supplies into the capital. (Jan. 14)

---

UNICEF urgently appeals for aid for Haiti following devastating earthquake

Quake tiggers tsunami warning for wider region

NEW YORK (January 12, 2010) — The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is urgently appealing for emergency assistance to aid the victims of a devastating earthquake that rocked the Caribbean nation of Haiti early today.

The quake, which registered 7.0 on the Richter scale, triggered a tsunami warning for neighboring countries situated in the Caribbean Sea.

The earthquake was centered about 14 miles west of the capital city, Port-au-Prince and early news stories report of wide spread devastation.

Funds are urgently needed to provide safe water, temporary shelter systems, essential medical supplies etc. UNICEF's country office in Haiti and the regional office located in Panama has deployed emergency teams to assess the situation and determine what the additional emergency needs are for the people of Haiti.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has a population of 9.6 million inhabitants, of which more than half are under 21 years old.  UNICEF has been working in Haiti since 1949 and works directly with Haiti's government on developing long term solutions to current problems caused by poverty and lack of basic health care, education and sanitation services.

The country has been suffering from long-term political strife and a severely depressed economy. In recent years the effects of the global food crisis and particularly strong hurricane seasons have left the country dangerously vulnerable. This catastrophe will only exacerbate the already critical situation for the people of Haiti, especially women and children.

To donate to the ongoing emergency relief efforts in Haiti and the Caribbean region, please visit: www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake or call 1-800-4UNICEF.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.

UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress—the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 24,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

CONTACT:
Richard Alleyne, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9177, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lauren Monahan, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9136, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Earthquake in Haiti (January 12, 2010)

Tracy Reines, Director of Response Operations for the American Red Cross, discusses the latest for the disaster response to Haiti as of 11 PM EST on Tuesday night. For more information on how your can help, visit www.redcross.org.

Musician Leroy Shakespeare, who has returned from taking time out from touring and recording to meditate on writing music, has come back on the music scene. The former “Duke of Reggae” was on the rise, with dazzling sold out shows with his powerful music and dignified stage presence. Leroy Shakespeare has always had a “superstar” sense that carried over into his music with a completely new sound. A powerful new sound with reggae rhythms, drum and bass to rock your feet with good messages, a uniquely powerful and intelligent roots reggae and dancehall. Action on stage can become interesting, just when it seems calm…he hits the listener with upbeat power chords and energy that makes you want to jump up! His music is perfect for young rastas. Leroy Shakespeare was born in Kingston, Jamaica and come to the U.S. in the late 80’s, based in Dallas and Los Angeles. The unique and powerful brand of roots reggae and dancehall, driven by good vibes across the U.S. for nearly a decade, this talented singer has been a headliner at the Kerrville Folk Festival, World Beat Fest in Texas, Brick Town Oklahoma Reggae Festival, New York Music Seminar in Manhattan at Club Wetlands, and South by Southwest Showcases in Austin, Texas. Not only does Leroy Shakespeare have tour miles to some of the most prestigious clubs and festivals in the country, but Leroy Shakespeare is also a winner of the Dallas Observer music awards for “Best Reggae Singer” five years in a row. Leroy Shakespeare has recorded a CD album featuring guest vocalist, “Edie Brickell”, folk singer and wife of Paul Simon. Throughout Leroy’s history he has achieved much success and many awards. Leroy goes from city to city entertaining families, friends and fans, with his talent, dedication and a growing sense of conscious vibes, and maturity. All kinds of people go to see Leroy Shakespeare’s shows to enjoy the good vibes. Leroy Shakespeare is heading to the next decade with a fresh style, new songs and lots of experience. Leroy Shakespeare also has performed at Club Dada in Dallas, Texas, and Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas.

Read more...