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Big-hearted Scots give £1m to Haiti earthquake appeal

Cash being pledged in Scotland as aid starts to arrive in devastated Caribbean country.

17 January 2010 12:04 GMT

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Big-hearted Scots give £1m to Haiti earthquake appeal

The Disasters Emergency Committee has said more than £1million has been donated to its appeal by the people of Scotland to help earthquake-hit Haiti.

Up to 50,000 people are feared dead following the magnitude-7.0 earthquake which struck last Tuesday, but that figure could double.

The money will be used to help food, shelter and medical assistance reach the most devastated areas.

The Scottish Government has also pledged £250,000 of aid to help the Caribbean country deal with the disaster.

The UN has said it is the worst disaster it has ever faced and is pleading for aid of £346m.

The DEC is also appealing for more cash to help the tens of thousands of people desperately needing assistance.

Gerry McLaughlin, chairman of DEC in Scotland, said: "The Scottish public's deep sense of horror and need to help has been shown by the level of support we are already seeing online and over the phone.

"Their support means that our member agencies can co-ordinate and deliver emergency aid to the swathes of people who urgently need shelter, medical help, safe water and food.

"Aid is beginning to get through, with more supplies arriving today. We urge the public to continue to dig deep into their pockets so supplies can be sourced and delivered as swiftly as possible over the next few days and weeks."

According to the DEC, £25 would supply a kit of household essentials, £50 will buy a food pack to feed a family for a fortnight and £100 could provide temporary shelter for two families.

Donations can be made through at www.dec.org.uk, by calling 0370 60 60 900, over the counter at any post office or high street bank, or by sending a cheque made payable to DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal to 'PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA.

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    1. 18 Jan 2010 11:52BritishRedCrossSinead said

    Red Cross volunteers are assisting the injured survivors of the Haiti earthquake and supporting hospitals struggling to cope with this emergency. To find out more about the disaster and Red Cross operations in this region and to support the Red Cross’ contribution to the DEC (Disasters and Emergency Committee) appeal, go to http://www.youtube.com/...DKRoljtrLM

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