Haiti earthquake - please help now

6.31.12pm GMT Thu 21st Jan 2010

The long term effects of any natural disaster are very serious for any child, but for children with disabilities it can be even harder. One of the effects of the Haiti earthquake has been to destroy what little infrastructure there has been for the young patients at the Centre for Special Education (funded by Christian Blind Mission, the largest disability Non Government Organisation in the world). The lives of at least two staff at this centre have been lost, and the building is so badly damaged that it will probably be demolished.

Christian Blind Mission staff have continued to work at the University Hospital Eye Clinic in Port au Prince, which miraculously, was not damaged. With a large amount of falling debris, there have been many eye injuries, and the doctors and nurses are providing at 24 hour emergency eye service.

Sal Brinton, a Trustee of CBM UK, and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Watford said: "If people haven't been able to give before now, please consider donating funds for Haiti. The devastation is unimaginable, and there is a real need for emergency medical support right now. Either give to DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee), or check to see if your favourite charity already runs projects in Haiti, just as Christian Blind Mission does. Christian Blind Mission is working alongside the DEC charities, and our local workers know and understand the environment and culture in Haiti, which can really assist those coming in from outside.

"It will take many years for Haiti to come out of this. Christian Blind Mission will continue to work along side the people of Haiti as they rebuild their lives after this dreadful tragedy."