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Haiti aid agencies given extra funding

Almost £700,000 allocated to Scots-based agencies working to help earthquake victims in Haiti.

09 February 2010 17:15 GMT

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Aid agencies in Haiti have been given increased emergency funds to help deal with the impact of the devastating earthquake.

Almost £700,000 has been allocated to Scottish-based non-governmental organisations working in the Caribbean republic, an increase on the SNP administration's original commitment of £250,000.

It follows a round of "high quality" applications from 11 agencies, including Argyll-based Mary's Meals which sets up school feeding projects for impoverished children.

Haiti aid agencies given extra funding

Scots have already donated more than £5.6million to an appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee, which brings together humanitarian organisations.

Committee chairman Gerry McLaughlin said: "Millions have been affected by the earthquake that has not just killed and injured tens of thousands of people but also destroyed homes, shattered livelihoods and wiped out vital services.

"The Scottish public has dug deep and contributed millions to help meet the immediate needs of Haitians, and we thank them for their compassion and generosity."

Most agencies, such as Oxfam, Save the Children and British Red Cross, shared between £50,000 and £75,000 from the £687,357 total. Aid group Glasgow The Caring City received £17,000.

The Mercy Corps will use its £75,000 award to help pay about 10,500 people in Haiti to clear rubble and debris and set up creches for the children of workers.

External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "Each organisation has a track record of working with local partners in Haiti to deliver targeted humanitarian aid to the people needing it most.

"Providing this much-needed assistance in Haiti is an important step but we can all do more.

"I urge all Scots to ensure Haiti remains at the top of the agenda and hope they will continue to support the fundraising appeals of the DEC and of Scottish-based organisations as generously as they already have."

The magnitude 7.0 tremor, which struck on January 12, is thought to have killed about 200,000 people and left two million people in need of aid, according to the UN.

Watch Scotland4Haiti appeal to help those suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Charities are continuing their appeal for donations. Find out how to donate and view STV's gallery of Hiati.

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