Digicel has committed US$1M to support relief efforts in Haiti following the passages of Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike over the island.
In a press release the communications giant said it has “actioned a series of relief initiatives to help the Haitian people through the difficult times and to get the country back on its feet.” Digicel Group CEO Colm Delves said since it launched in Haiti in May 2006, “the Haitian people have made us their own…[W]e’re saddened by the devastation that has been caused to Haiti.”
According to the release Digicel’s US$1 million commitment comprises US$400,000 of aid support to NGOs: Red Cross, Food for the Poor, Catholic Relief Services, Concern and Agerca to get aid to the worst affected areas such as Nippes which has yet to receive aid. The aid is expected to take the form of food containers, toiletries, kitchen, hygiene, medical kits and supplies and air transport for two water treatment plants.
Digicel is also donating US$200,000 of direct aid distribution across the island to storm victims and US$400,000 of free minutes and other mobile services will be given to customers in the worst affected areas: Artibonite (Gonaives) and Nippes; as well as in the south, south east and west of Haiti. “Given the scale of the impact on Haiti, ongoing initiatives are key,” the release said.
