The Dominican people mobilizing aid for Haiti

So, it’s the end of day one. After getting to our little hotel last night at 3:30 am and a short night sleep it was our opportunity to meet with our Jesuit partners, talk about needs and gaps to be filled and see firsthand what they are doing.

The Dominican response has been incredible. The nation has totally opened their homes, hearts and wallets and the volunteer mobilization is fabulous – they are enthusiastic, energetic, well trained and hard working.

This morning we learned that this small country has already invested $12 million into earthquake efforts. That is very comparable to our canadian investment! Yesterday they had 2 one day TV telethons - and raised $2.5 million in $5 and $10 gifts - for many, that's a day's salary.

The hospitals here are filled to overcrowding and the need is recognized everywhere.

Observations - really well organized
We spent our time both at a collection/sorting point in Santo Domingo. Churches, individuals, businesses and just kept appearing at the loading dock every 10 minutes with vehicle loads of food, water, clothing, tents, bedding, and medicine in small quantities. Then a team of 30 students were furiously sorting it all for shipment out to the distribution centre.

At the distribution warehouse, everything was palletted and put on transport trucks for Haiti. In the last 3 days they have sent seven 48-foot transport trailers have been shipped to the Haitian DR border. Then a Haitian tractor is hitched up and taken to the distribution centre in Port au Prince. Four more trailers are being assembled right now.

Today's activities
Alex shot some video. Sheila was able to speak into and help problem solve some of the supply chain issues in their staging warehouse. Pat and Colleen just jumped in and sorted… Wayne was working through the financial issues with Antonio of the shipping issues. They have lots of goods, but are short on cash that hasn't flowed in yet.

What will $1300 US do?
When we came down we brought some cash to serve immediate needs that were brought to our attention. This group has moved so fat to serve and support it is amazing. But, cash to support has lagged behind in it's delivery.

We were informed that tomorrow a refrigerated 48 foot trailer filled with donated cheese and sausage is going from one of the major grocery chains. The problem was that the trucking company wanted their $1300 up front. It needed to be transported directly to PAP for immediate distribution of much needed protein for thousands.

Thanks to our wonderful supporters who have given to this team through CIDO (address on the side). As a result, thousands will be getting fresh meat and cheese tomorrow afternoon.

Tomorrow and beyond...
Tomorrow we are heading up to the Haitian border where there is a displaced persons camp. We will be there for 2 days sleeping in tents and getting involved. From there we’ll decide what happens.

It’s hard to tell, we’re working within the Jesuit/Caritas structure, so we’ll run with what they want us to do.

Thanks for remembering us and for all of you who have enabled in one way or another this trip.