We all have heard, read or seen the news - Haiti has been struck by a very severe earthquake and several aftershocks. Television networks are showing us scenes of devastation, injured people wandering in the streets because they have nowhere to go.

CAPE has numerous members with close ties with Haiti, some of them are your friends or colleagues, and we all know someone who has family or friends there. We want to tell them that our spirit and our prayers are with them in these difficult times.

But prayers are not enough. Urgent help and relief are needed. We invite you to make a gesture of solidarity towards a population that has had more than its share of difficult times in the recent past. You can make a donation to any recognized organization. Even the smallest amount can be used. Here are some of the groups you can contact.

The Canadian Red Cross: 1-800-418-1111 or www.redcross.ca

The Humanitarian Coalition (Care; Oxfam Canada; Oxfam Québec and Save the children): 1-800-464-9154 or www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca

Claude Poirier
President