INTERNATIONAL NEWS:

HAITI RELIEF FROM THE IWW:

Since the recent tragic earthquake in Haiti millions across the world are trying to find appropriate ways of sending help. Here is one such way, via the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) who are in contact with unionists in that country. The following notice appeared the other day on our local Winnipeg Wobbly Blog.

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Emergency Relief and Solidarity needed for Haiti:
A devastating 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti Tuesday January 12th. Thousands have been killed, and much Port au Prince leveled. This follows a series of deadly hurricanes in late 2008, and decades of foreign-influenced economic terrorism, culminating in a US-led coup in 2004, and continuing UN occupation. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, is the only country to successfully liberate itself from slavery and the former colonial masters have not let them forget. Most people live on less than $2 a day, and many on less than $1. In April 2008 representatives of the ISC (International Solidarity Committee-Molly )participated in an IWW delegation to Haiti where they met with workers and peasants struggling against neo-liberal slavery. We pledged our continued support to their struggle, and FW's donated generously to support their organizing, and again for aid following the hurricanes. Currently communications with Haiti are nearly impossible, but no doubt they will need our help again.


The delegation made a short video about our trip, "Haiti's Tourniquet" which we're selling for $15 (includes shipping) to raise money for our comrades in Haiti, and any donations large or small are greatly appreciated.


You can purchase videos and send donations to: Nathaniel Miller, PO Box 31909, Philadelphia, PA 19104-- please mark checks "IWW Haiti Fund," and note if you want a video. Contact nathaniel@iww.org to arrange online payment, or for other questions.

WORLD NEWS/LOCAL NEWS:

DISASTER IN HAITI:

The true extent of the disaster in Haiti, following the recent earthquake is absolutely mind numbing. The recent estimates of the Red Cross of 50,000 deaths are probably underestimates, and they do not tale into account the presumed deaths that will follow, surely as day follows night, from disease and hunger in the imminent future. It will be weeks, months, or, perhaps, never, when an reasonably accurate death toll of the immediate fatalities will be tabulated. Haiti's almost non-existent infrastructure-at the best of times- will mean that a truly accurate count will never be taken. I will have more to say on this subject soon, but, for now, here are a few ways that people here in Winnipeg can contribute to Haiti relief. One that is left out of the following from a local blog is the fact that the United Firefighters of Winnipeg, along with the Winnipeg Fire Department, are accepting donations at all firehalls in Winnipeg. This is certainly the easiest way to contribute from a Molly point of view. More on this situation later.

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Haiti Earthquake Relief: How You Can Help:
Posted by Sarah Klein
After Tuesday’s devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake, international relief efforts are being organized to help the people of Haiti. Hundreds of thousands of people are feared dead, as the quake rocked the nation. About 3 million people are reported to need assistance.
How can Canadians help?
The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations at RedCross.ca/helpnow, or you can call 1-800-418-1111.
The Salvation Army is accepting donations at SalvationArmy.ca, or you can call 1-800-725-2769.
The Mennonite Central Committee is accepting donations at MCC.org, or you can call 261-6381, or 1-888-622-6337.
Mobile Bell customers can text the word Haiti to 45678. A $5.00 donation will be made on your behalf and appear on your cell phone bill. Rogers customers can text the word Help to 1291 to make a $5.00 donation.
Canadians looking to connect with loved ones in Haiti can call the command centre set up by Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs at 1-800-387-3124.
The federal government will also match all donations Canadians make to a registered charity, dollar for dollar, up to $50 million until February 12.
The Province of Manitoba has pledged $100,000 in support to the Manitoba Council for International Co-operation (MCIC), which will ensure the money will be used for aid and reconstruction in Haiti.
See more photos. (Warning: graphic content)