SEIU Donates $1M To Haiti Relief Effort
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One of the nation's largest unions presented a $1 million check Monday to help fund UNICEF's ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.
"We have tens of thousands of members of Haitian descent both here in New York, in the city of Boston and the State of Massachusetts. We are more than happy to be part of an effort that leads the way in bringing relief to Haiti," said 1199 SEIU President George Gresham.
Thirteen days after the massive earthquake decimated Port-au-Prince, the images are still shocking and the facts remain indisputable.
"This country has had to bury 150,000 of its citizens in two weeks, 300,000 others are sleeping outside, half a million people homeless," said Governor David Paterson.
The U.S. fund for UNICEF has been in Haiti since 1949. Its president, Caryl Stern, says there will be a time where they will welcome donations like tents, blankets and medical supplies but right now says the focus is on helping the country's children to survive.
"We need things like plumpi-nut which is an enhanced nutrient paste, like a peanut butter with everything you need for severely malnourished children," Stern explained. "We need oral rehydration salts for children who are depleted by diarrhea and other things that happen in the wake of an emergency. Water purification tablets. These don't cost a lot individually but with something as large and as widespread as this earthquake has been, we need them in very large quantities."
The tragedy has had a profound effect on many union members, some of whom have recently returned from Haiti.
"I don't think the images we see on TV explain exactly what's going on down there, it's much worse when you see it with your own two eyes because emotion is flowing through your body, it could've been you , a brother, a sister or even your own child," said 1199 member 1199 SEIU member Stanley Lauradin.
Union members say they hope their donation inspires others to dig deep. They also say every bit will bolster the relief effort now and later will help the people of Haiti to heal as quickly and fully as they can.