Caritas Given $230M for Haiti

ROME, FEB. 19, 2010 (Zenit.org).- In an international show of support that ranged from the rich to the poor, Caritas has received more than $230 million in donations for Haiti.

Caritas members from 40 countries collected $198 million from private donations for survivors of the January earthquake that mostly destroyed the Haitian capital. In addition, governments and institutions have pledged $36 million to the Church's aid organization.

Caritas Internationalis President Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga will be visiting Haiti on Monday to deliver aid from his native Honduras.
 
"We are humbled by the support Caritas has received from around the world," Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga said. "From rich countries in Europe and North America to desperately poor ones like Congo and Somalia, this is a great symbol of solidarity with Haiti as it looks to rebuild anew. Caritas will be working hard to create a better future for Haitians based on solidarity, hope and love.”

About $20 million is slated for immediate needs over the next two months. Already Caritas has fed more than 500,000 people and provided shelter kits to 43,000. It has also provided medical treatment to 12,000 people.

Caritas will continue to provide homes, health care and other needs with projects scheduled over the next five years. Caritas' branch in the United States was already working in Haiti before the earthquake.