Melissa Parke, Member for Fremantle, and Chair of the Parliamentary Association for UNICEF, and Senator Simon Birmingham, the Association’s Deputy Chair have called on concerned Australians to donate to UNICEF’s emergency appeal in order to provide life-saving essentials for those affected by the Haitian earthquake.
Donations can be made by visiting www.unicef.org.au or by calling 1300 884 233.
“We are aware that many Australians are greatly concerned about the impact of the tragedy on the people of Haiti, and are wondering what they can do to help. A donation to
UNICEF’s emergency appeal will make a critical difference to the lives of thousands of women and children affected by the earthquake.
“The scale of this disaster is hard to contemplate, and current reports suggest the death toll might exceed 100,000. This is a humanitarian catastrophe that will have a significant long?term impact on the people of Haiti, but concerned Australians can make a big difference by supporting the aid effort, especially in these critical early days.
“UNICEF has aid workers on the ground in Haiti and is already providing emergency supplies to the disaster zone, but much more urgent relief is needed.
“Survivors of the earthquake are in desperate need of clean water and other basic necessities and we urge people to dig deep to help give the people of Haiti the support they need. We urge anyone who has considered donating to do so now.
“The most important thing right now is to focus on the many thousands of Haitian people left vulnerable to disease and hunger by this terrible event. Australians can make a real difference by donating funds to help deliver the urgent services and supplies they need just to survive.”