‘A complete crisis’: Hamilton charity rallying to send earthquake relief aid to Haiti

A Hamilton-based charity is rallying to send support to Haiti as the country reels in the wake of a deadly earthquake.

The Caribbean nation was rocked by a 7.2-magnitude quake Saturday that has left more than 1,200 dead and more than 6,000 injured. Thousands more have been displaced from their destroyed or damaged homes that have been reduced to rubble.

And as citizens worked to save those trapped in the remains, Tropical Storm Grace bore down on the island Monday, further slowing already frantic rescue efforts.

Help Heal Humanity, a Steeltown-based organization, is working to send relief aid to the country, said founder Serena Bufalino, in a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

Prior to the latest earthquake, Bufalino said the charity, which primarily focuses on providing education and nutrition to vulnerable populations, was already working extensively" in Haiti as one of its main project countries.

Their work has since transitioned from education to rescue and relief efforts.

Bufalino said their team, which consists of five representatives, are providing water, nutrition and relief to those affected by the earthquake, she said, all while feeling its affects.

One of their team members lost two relatives to the quake and the road to their school in Canaan has been destroyed and the area surrounding it flooded, said Bufalino.

But as the number of casualties and injured people rises, Bufalino said their team has requested additional assistance.

That includes donations that would go toward the purchase of water, food and medical supplies, as well as tents for those left homeless by the tremor.

Haiti is in a complete crisis," she said. Millions of dollars wouldn't even solve the problems they're facing at this moment."

Bufalino is just one of many organizations and people who have provided aid and help in Haiti over the years.

Hamilton has strong ties to the island nation.

After an earthquake that ravaged the country back in 2010, a volunteer medical team working with St. Joseph's Health System's International Outreach program landed in the country with nearly 2,000 kilograms of medical supplies in tow.

Their relief trip was funded by donations from Hamiltonians raised through a media-thon as well as from the Canadian International Development Agency.

Bufalino, who began working in Haiti just months after the deadly 2010 earthquake, said she is hoping to be on the ground providing aid in the coming days.

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