I am delighted to announce that two-time Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks, and Lifeline Energy ambassador, is kick-starting our Haiti Humanitarian Radio Relief Fund for earthquake survivors in Haiti.
Why radios are needed
Access to information is critical both during an emergency and in reconstruction. Although often overlooked, news and updates from local and international sources is an urgent need, along with water, food, shelter and medical attention. Radio stations are broadcasting and our radios will help aid agencies, the UN and the government get essential information to the population.
The Washington post has written an excellent about the importance of radio information
But what the article fails to cover is how will people be able to listen to the programming? Electricity levels were low to start with and batteries will be difficult to come by and expensive. The most vulnerable groups, including women and children, are in danger of being excluded.
What we can do to help
We have an established track record in humanitarian radio relief having been directly involved in the Balkans conflict, post-genocide Rwanda, the Mozambique floods, in refugee camps in Tanzania and Kenya, and the Asian tsunami. Lifeline Energy has an excellent network of partner organizations on the ground and a proven methodology for distribution.
The Lifeline radio we developed is one of the most successful aid-only products in history and is robustly engineered for harsh conditions. With AM/FM and short-wave bands, it will pick up both local and international stations and with its excellent sound quality, large groups will be able to hear it clearly. It operates on solar energy coupled with a fail-safe winding mechanism.
Working with credible local partners, the radios will be distributed to shelters, schools, churches, health clinics and wherever people are gathered. As always, key beneficiaries will be women, teachers and community leaders. According to UNICEF, there are an estimated one million orphans across the country and priority will be given to provide access to a radio.
We need your support in two ways:
$32.00 will provide all inclusive funding for an emergency response radio. We have 15,000 radios appropriate for smaller group listening packaged and ready to be flown in to Haiti immediately. All we need is funding.
$65.00 for each Lifeline radio, which can be heard by 40-50 listeners, and includes shipping and distribution costs. These radios will be used mostly in the reconstruction phase but must be ordered soon.
You can also make a one off or recurring donation and for any amount by visiting Haiti Humanitarian Radio Relief Fund page
Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please contact our Digital Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Bhavna Malkani on bmalkani@lifelineenergy.org.
Kristine Pearson
Chief Executive
