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The following information was received by Harford County Public Library from the office of Mark S. Furst, President and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti:

To our compassionate friends:

As you know, tragedy struck Haiti, one of the world’s most impoverished nations, this week. We offer our condolences to all those affected by the disaster.

Even as reports arrive from the devastated area, we still don’t know the full toll of damage and destruction caused by the earthquake and aftershocks. The task at hand is so challenging that no one organization, no one country, acting alone can address the crisis. The effects of this disaster are particularly acute due to the country’s poor infrastructure and wrenching poverty.

Many nonprofit organizations around the world are providing humanitarian assistance. It is heartwarming to see the world responding so urgently and with such an outpouring of compassion and aid. Strong United Way partners like the American Red Cross are doing what they do best and are fully engaged in the massive relief effort.

Please know that United Way Worldwide has mobilized its Core Crisis Team which is working with local United Ways across the Caribbean to support recovery efforts. The United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund supports long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives devastated by disaster and address educational, financial and health-related challenges.

If you are interested in more information or links to several relief efforts, please refer to our web site (www.uwcm.org). Feel free to contact me as well.

Sincerely,
Mark S. Furst
President and CEO
United Way of Central Maryland
410-895-1513
mark.furst@uwcm.org

Labels: Haiti