Ways to help Haiti

We interrupt our regular programming to bring to you some great ways to help the people of Haiti, after the Caribbean country suffered a massive earthquake one week ago. It’s estimated that three million people have been affected by the disaster, and while we are blessed to be in Canada, here are some ways we can help:

Bamboletta raffle for Haiti

Our favourite local natural doll maker Bamboletta Dolls is holding a raffle to help raise money for Haiti. Tickets are $10 each (you can buy multiple tickets) and you can win either a 15-inch Bamboletta doll Hailey, ensemble from Constance over at SillyCon (Etsy) and $100 gift certificate from Reggie at Reggie's Dolls; or a 15-inch Bamboletta doll Holly, ensemble from Melanie from TheMelamooseCo. (Etsy) and a sweet doll pillow and blanket set from LightningBugz (Etsy). All proceeds will go to Doctors without Borders. The good thing is that since Bamboletta Dolls is a Canadian company, the Canadian government will match their financial donation. For all the details, to donate and to see the two dolls that two lucky people will win, visit bamboletta.com.

Buy a bib and donate

When B.C.-based Mally Bibs heard the news that the Canadian government will match every dollar donated to the Humanitarian Coalition, they decided to donate $10 from every online order. So for every online order placed today (Tuesday, Jan. 19), $10 will be donated. Please help by either donating directly or placing an order today.

Ilus Elu donating all profits

Until the end of February, Ilus Elu, a Canadian company that produces a line of handmade organic cosmetics and skincare, will be donating 100 per cent of their profits to GlobalMedic, a Canadian zero-overhead organization on the ground in Haiti. They are working a medical clinic in Port-au-Prince and supplying water purification infrastructure. However, they are already running out of medical supplies. Ilus Elu hopes to raise enough money to provide a new water purification device, and at the very least, contribute to the purchase of necessary medical supplies. www.iluselu.ca

Donate at Buttercups

Buttercups Children’s Boutique, 4877 Delta St., Ladner, is now accepting donations for Haiti Relief on behalf of the Red Cross. Donations over $10 will be entered in draw for Buttercups merchandise.

UVic Health Services collecting donations

For any of you close to the University of Victoria, UVic Health Services are collecting donations that they will be taking to the Red Cross for the Haiti relief fund. Please come on by and make a donation if you have the time. They are located in the Jack Peterson Building, lower parking lot 5 at the university in Victoria.

Urban Thrift collecting donations

Urban Thrift, 20 - 3434 34 Ave. N.E., Calgary, is accepting clothing donations for Haiti victims, as well financial donations in addition to purchases.

iTunes

If you buy games, music or movies from the Apple’s iTunes Store, there’s a place where you can donate money ($5 to $200) to the American Red Cross.

Text a donation

Apparently texting with your cell phone is a great, easy way to donate money in order to help raise money for Haiti relief efforts. Here’s the lowdown:

Rogers Wireless and Fido customers can donate $5 per call to the Haiti relief efforts by provided by Partners in Health: Haiti and other relief organizations the text message HELP to shortcode 1291.

For Bell, Telus and Rogers Wireless customers:

For donations to Salvation Army Canada: text the word Haiti to 45678
To donate $10 to the Red Cross in the U.S.: text Haiti to 90999
To donate $5 to World Vision Canada: text WORLD to 45678
To donate $5 to Plan Canada: text HAITI to 30333
To donate $5 to Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative: text HAITI 20222
To donate $5 to UNICEF Canada’s Haiti Emergency Fund: text Give or Don to 45678.

For a list of more charities helping Haiti and other charities visit www.mobilegiving.ca.

Other ways to donate

While shopping at Whole Foods and Safeway, you can opt to make a donation when checking out. World Vision, a charitable organization that is currently helping families and children in Port-Au-Prince, is accepting donations through their website www.worldvision.ca. You can also donate directly to the Canadian Red Cross at www.redcross.ca, by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111 or by visiting any Red Cross office. Other reputable organizations include UNICEF Canada, Save the children Canada, Doctors Without Borders, and Humanitarian Coalition.

Check out the Charity Navigator that has tips on giving to credible charitable organizations and a list of charities (mostly American ones though) providing relief in Haiti as well.

National Bank MasterCard cardholders can exchange reward points, free of charge, for a cash donation to the Canadian Red Cross by calling 514-847-8280 or 1-800-341-8083.

The Government of Canada will match dollar for dollar the contributions of individual Canadians to registered charities in support of humanitarian, recovery, and reconstruction efforts in response to the earthquake in Haiti, up to a total of $50 million. The best way for Canadians to help is to make a monetary donation to a reputable relief organization that intends to use the funds for earthquake relief.