2010 press releases

21st Jan: Local candidates come together to back Haiti aid appeal

Norman Baker MP, Jason Sugarman and Hratche Koundarjian have set aside political differences to call on local people to back the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) for Haiti. With as many as 200,000 feared dead and millions in need of medical and aid assistance, each of the candidates have pledged to donate a substantial amount and are urging people to give what they can.

The devastating 7.0 earthquake that hit the already poverty stricken country on the 12th of January destroyed the United Nations headquarters, adding to difficulties in coordinating the huge humanitarian assistance effort required to ensure survivors get food, clean water, emergency shelter, medical care and other support.

The DEC appeal is a coordinated effort on behalf of 13 UK charities including ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision. So far the British public have donated over 25 million, but much more will be needed to help survivors rebuild their shattered lives. At least 95% of funds raised by the appeal are allocated to Member Agencies for their emergency response.

Lib Dem MP Norman Baker said: "What has happened in Haiti is a disaster of epic proportions. This earthquake has struck close to the main centre of population of the poorest country in the region, where even before the disaster struck the central administration was absent or ineffective at best, and where there is little capacity in place in terms of public services to deal with the challenges of everyday life, let alone an event of this magnitude. The situation is urgent for those who have survived and the world needs to help."

Conservative Candidate Jason Sugarman said: "I have seen the terrible suffering of people in Haiti and know that we must do all we can do ensure that adequate health care and basic provisions get through to those in greatest need.

Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, was hit head-on by this enormous earthquake. I'm sure everyone has seen the heart-wrenching images of Haiti. The full impact of the earthquake is still emerging, but it's clear that hundreds of thousands of people have either been killed or left homeless.

"It's essential that this small nation gets the help it needs as quickly as possible. Britain is an incredibly compassionate and generous nation. We showed that five years ago when the British public raised £350m in the wake of the Boxing Day Tsunami, and I've no doubt we will show it again. The best way for you to help, if you haven't already, is to donate directly to the Disaster Emergency Committee. Whether you can afford to give £5 or £500, it all makes a difference."

Labour Candidate, Hratche Koundarjian said: "Politics can be a cynical business, but it's important that we see the bigger picture to help give a little hope to people in Haiti who are suffering so terribly at this time. Having worked alongside some of the DEC charities, I know first hand the dedication of their staff and the impact that their skill and knowledge will have in the days, weeks and months to come in saving and rebuilding lives. I hope that even in these difficult times that people will spare what they can."

People wanting to donate to the DEC Haiti appeal can call 0370 60 60 900 or make a donation online at www.dec.org.uk or by Texting "GIVE" to 70077 to donate £5 to the DEC for the Haiti earthquake appeal, or by going in to any high street bank or post office quoting Freepay 1449.

The three politicians can be contacted on the following numbers:

Norman Baker: 01273 480268

Jason Sugarman: 07989 388763

Hratche Koundarjian 07905 911 039

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