Haiti

I admit that I didn't even know that an earthquake had hit this little Caribbean country until two or three days after it happened (I don't have TV and I don't really read the papers anymore), but even then I felt no real inclination to help, although from what I've read over the past couple of days it appears that even those who have mobilized to help are having difficulties getting in because the US controls the airport and, well, they're holding things up considerably.

However.

I read on Saver Queen's blog yesterday and Frugal Dreamer's blog this morning about donations. Saver Queen has a link to CIDA, the governmental agency that assists internationally. They have promised to match any donation made through a registered charity (Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.) up to $50 million. This caught my attention and then I read FD's blog a few minutes ago and she makes excellent points about the fact that we have more than enough and Haiti has nothing - and less now that a second earthquake has hit the region.

So I went straight to the Red Cross site and donated. I then went to WSPA and donated there, as well.

The reason I was hesitating? I just cleared most of my credit card and didn't want to rack it up again. Don't be (a ridiculous, selfish SOB) like me. Donate to Haiti. Give whatever you can, whatever you feel comfortable with. The Canadian government is matching donations. This doesn't happen often and makes your contribution that much greater.

I am safe, warm, employed, loved. I need to be grateful for these 'simple' things that are so taken for granted. I'm responsible for me being in debt (for buying 'stuff'), but the people of Haiti are not responsible for the earthquake that has levelled their country and devastated them.

I have to admit I'm not sure where this donation money will come from. I'll work it off I imagine. I have a secure job that pays me well and that I enjoy. That, for now, is enough.