The images and stories coming back from Haiti are heartbreaking. A country that was facing desperate times before the earthquake faces a long road to recovery and relief. Fortunately, many efforts are underway to help Haiti in its hour of need, and retail is one of many industries finding ways to help.
BorderJump and Aeropost organized airlifting supplies donated by US retailers to Haiti. BorderJump is looking for high-volume emergency relief supply shipments, and merchants can ship donations to Aeropost’s processing facility in Miami before making their way to Haiti.
At eBillme.com, a site that allows online shoppers to pay cash for purchases at more than 800 stores, the company will donate $10 to Haiti relief on all orders of $50 and more by January 31st. By entering the helpHAITI coupon code when shopping at eBillme, customers will get a $10 discount in addition to the automatic $10 donation made by eBillme.com.
K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations) has received donations from companies including Jockey, Haddad Brands, Gerber Childrenswear, Kahn Lucas, World Team Tennis, LT Apparel, UGG Australia, Vitamin Shoppe, and Toys“R”Us. A charity that provides new products donated by manufacturers and retailers to children, K.I.D.S. had received $2 million in new products for the relief effort as of last week.
“Twenty containers of relief supplies from K.I.D.S have already been sent or are en route to our partners in Haiti,” said Janice Weinman, K.I.D.S. president. “Although the main port at Port-Au-Prince is still closed, we have been able to arrange for shipping through the port at Cap-Haïtien on the country’s north coast, and we have been cleared to send two container shipments per day through the main airport at Port-Au-Prince.”
Money and supplies have been pouring in from every direction. The Walmart Foundation pledged $500,000 in cash and $100,000 of food kits. Target also committed $500,000 and more than a million meals. Walgreen’s donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross, plans to match employee donations up to $50,000, and will also donate food, water, and medical supplies. McDonald's, Vans Shoes, Timberland, The Safeway Foundation, Yum Brands (owner of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut), Limited Brands, and Kohl's have all pledged money and/or aid as well.
These efforts are certainly not limited to American retail organizations alone. Canadian hardware, renovation and gardening product distributor and retailer Rona partnered with the Canadian Red Cross to have all RONA, Réno-Dépôt and TOTEM stores in Canada serve as cash donation locations where customers and employees can donate to help in Haiti, with all donated money going to the Canadian Red Cross’ relief effort.
“The tragic events in Haiti have touched us all,” said RONA president and CEO Robert Dutton. “I urge all RONA customers to join us in a nationwide show of support for the people of Haiti by giving generously.”
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