Nothing like historic, monumental tragedy to help put things into perspective. No one really knew then, but we know now that the quake killed over 200,000 people and injured more than 300,000. The country is still in ruins.
On Day 108, I decided to get involved. And not just by sending my thoughts and prayers to the
victims of the quake and to the volunteers and rescue teams that would be going into the country to help the people. I've done that. Many times.This time I wanted to give my money as Day 108's thing I've never done before.
So the first thing that I did was text the word "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross. Say what you will about text messaging being the downfall of social interaction, what an awesome and easy way to help support the cause. If you haven't done so, do it. It's easy, and the donation will show up on your next cell phone bill.
Did I mention it's easy? Do it.
When I got home that night, after a long night at work, I turned on the local channel to see a telethon going on, also for the Red Cross. I called in and made another donation.
I called a telethon, which was something I've never done before. Mo and some of the other guys at work said I probably just sent my money to some fraudulent business. I disagree, but did wish that I had waited until the following week when the celebrity "Hope for Haiti" telethon happened. I missed my opportunity to talk to Reese Witherspoon and Steven Spielberg! Dang!
Sending good thoughts and prayers is obviously always appreciated by those in need. But now that I have a little bit more of it, sending money feels appropriate too.
Unfortunately so many scams pop up during these situations.
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