Government's £700k gift of hope for Haiti quake victims

Published on Tuesday 9 February 2010 09:07

AID agency Mercy Corps is among 11 organisations to be awarded thousands of pounds by the Scottish Government for their work in Haiti.

External affairs minister Fiona Hyslop has announced 687,357 for Scottish non-governmental organisations working in the disaster zone.

Marchmont-based Mercy Corps will receive 75,000 towards its work in the Petion Ville and Tabarre quarters of Port-au-Prince.

&#149 How you can help: Donate via the mercy corps website at www.mercycorps.org.uk/haiti or by calling 0845 245 0686 between 8am and 8pm.

The group plans to use the money to pay local people to clear debris from roads, market places, schools and houses. It will also set up creches for the children of the workers and will provide tools for the work.

It is estimated that more than 10,000 people will benefit from the project.

Mercy Corps director Mervyn Lee said: "The funding provided by the Scottish Government will enhance the focused work we are doing in Haiti, to help kick start the local economy in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

"We anticipate that our cash-for-work programmes in the Ptionville and Tabarre communities of Port-au- Prince will provide more than 7,000 people with short-term jobs. Our programme will allow earthquake survivors to earn a daily wage and resume the flow of cash into Haiti's economy."

Announcing the funding, Ms Hyslop said: "The people of Scotland have been very passionate in their support for the Haitians, giving not only their time and effort to raise awareness but also digging deep in their pockets.

"Scottish-based aid organisations have responded quickly and effectively to the crisis and are poised to do more. The Scottish Government had committed at least 250,000 to support their humanitarian work in Haiti. However, due to the gravity of the situation and the high quality of applications received, we are now making available 687,357 from our International Development Fund."

In all, 11 organisations will receive funding. Others include the British Red Cross, food programme Mary's Meals and water charity Concern Worldwide.

Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in Scotland, Gerry McLaughlin, welcomed the news: "The DEC in Scotland is delighted that the Scottish Government has made such a significant contribution to the relief effort in Haiti. Millions have been affected by the earthquake that has not just killed and injured tens of thousands of people, but also destroyed homes and wiped out vital services.

"The Scottish public has dug deep and we thank them for their compassion and generosity."