Dear ONE Member,
As a Haitian living in Canada, my heart
was broken after Haiti’s devastating earthquake on January 12.
Although all of my family survived, I lost friends and so much of my
country was destroyed. I was devastated and felt powerless to
help.
Less than a month later, I had the honour
of delivering ONE’s petition on Haiti debt forgiveness to the G8 in
my hometown of Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Signed by over 200,000 ONE
members from around the world, I was overjoyed when I heard the
announcement come through a few days later: Haiti’s debt had
been forgiven, meaning a country struggling to rebuild had
one less obstacle to face.
But I’m writing to you today because ONE
members can make a huge difference in Haiti once again.
In the hours and days after the quake,
many world leaders pledged to give Haiti the money they needed to
help rebuild. But six months later, only 10% of that money
has actually made it to the country. Australia has
delivered on its promises, but we need your help ensuring the rest
of the world follows through.
President Clinton, UN Special Envoy to
Haiti has vowed to follow-up with these deadbeat donors and we want
to show the world is with him. By signing our petition in support of
President Clinton, you’ll help demonstrate global support for
Haiti’s speedy recovery.
To sign the petition, click here:
http://www.one.org/international/actnow/haitiaid/o.pl?id=1829-4519849-zPW1NVx&t=3
Petition text:
Dear world leaders,
Don’t renege on promises to those who
need them most. Keep your commitments and urgently deliver the
support you pledged so that Haiti can begin to rebuild.
Haiti has fought hard to survive and
rebuild in these last six months, but if the promised funds are not
delivered then their ability to plan and prepare for the future is
compromised. People are still living in tents, the streets are still
covered with rubble and jobs are practically non-existent.
Imagine what a difference we
could make if world leaders delivered the other 90% today.
Tomorrow another family might have a safe place to call home before
the hurricane season rips through. Next month another girl might be
walking through the doors of a new school. Next year another
hospital might open to help mothers deliver babies in a clean, safe
space.
I hope you’ll join me once again in
ensuring Haiti is not forgotten.
Thank you,
Michèle Bertol, ONE Member
ONE.org
