HARTFORD – Catholic parishioners of the Archdiocese of Hartford have so far donated more than $1 million to Haitian earthquake relief.
One hundred percent of the funds go to the relief efforts of Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, who had issued a special appeal to parishioners, thanked donors in a press release on Feb. 19.
"I offer my profound gratitude to all the people who were moved by love and compassion to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti," he said. "The overwhelming sign of support and solidarity shows God’s grace among us. Please know that your support, coupled with donations from around the world, will be put to good use, as CRS continues to provide relief to Haiti."
The funds collected so far from 166 parishes, five schools, and individual contributions will assist CRS’s round-the-clock mission in Haiti. CRS has already provided food, medical care and shelter to hundreds of thousands of people. CRS provided emergency shelter kits to help nearly 100,000 people living in refugee camps, and is in the process of distributing kits to help 20,000 more.
CRS staff members are also investigating solutions to housing problems. The relief agency has already set up nine primary care centers in the earthquake-ravaged country.
In addition, doctors and other medical professionals are performing hundreds of critical operations each week at St. Francois de Sales Hospital, a hospital that is being repaired with the help of donations to CRS.
Catholic Relief Services is well-rooted in Haiti; it has been serving there for 55 years.
The $1 million from the Archdiocese will add to the worldwide Catholic effort to help CRS in Haiti. The Archdiocese of Hartford expects the number of donations to increase as it hears from the remaining 47 parishes. Those who wish to donate should send a check, payable to the Archdiocese of Hartford and marked clearly for Haitian Relief, to: The Chancery, 134 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105.
The Archbishop said the need in Haiti will continue.
"While the earthquake is no longer making front-page headlines, the people of Haiti continue to suffer. They need our help now more than ever, to find solutions in the long term. That is what Catholic Relief Services does," he said.
