The ungodly devastation in Haiti has been met with the most humane of global sympathy. But it’s not just Western guilt and televised lip-service – model Gisele Bundchen has donated $1.5 million to the cause while Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have donated $1 million and Madonna $250,000.
Arcade Fire’s Regine Chassagne, who penned the plaintive “Haiti” (her parent’s birthplace) for Arcade Fire’s 2005 debut “Funeral”, wrote an op-ed piece for The Observer asking for “support and solidarity” while urging readers to donate through Partners In Health.
Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean, perhaps the most vocal celebrity aid advocate, called for help via Fox News. Unfortunately his charity, Yele Haiti, has attracted criticism for fiscal mismanagement of the $2 million in donations it has received. Let’s hope these claims are unfounded.
In Melbourne Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Kim Clijsters, Novak Djokovic, Sam Stosur, Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt raised 200,000 Australian dollars through a three-on-three exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena. “I was following it on TV and saw the devastation and I thought we should do something,” said Federer. “It was a lot of fun. It’s a great thing and I’m happy the players were also in such good spirits.”
Ex-Presidents and former political sparring partners George Bush and Bill Clinton united for a White House public service announcement calling for American citizens to give generously. Current President Barack Obama penned an op-ed peice for Newsweek titled Why Haiti Matters.
Illustrator Sarah Larnach, the woman responsible for Ladyhawke’s cover art, is currently auctioning off a watercolour painting to assist relief. “My sister, Emily Sanson-Rejouis, her husband and 3 daughters (ages 5, 4 and 2) are in Haiti right now, and only Emily and the youngest child have been confirmed alive. I am auctioning an original painting from the Ladyhawke album/singles for charity, to assist in Haiti.”
