Caritas receives $230 million for Haiti

(February 22, 2010) In an international show of support that ranged from the rich to the poor, Caritas, the Catholic church’s aid and relief organization, 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. Moved by the response worldwide, Caritas Internationalis President Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, said “We are humbled by the support Caritas has received from around the world." "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,” Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga said. 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.