Still Helping Haiti

Musicians Offer New Earthquake Relief Ideas

Celebrity Charities – January 12 marked the two-year anniversary of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince. And yet, with all the money donated, all the medical supplies transported, and all the relief efforts completed, there’s still work to be done.

According to the UN Human Development Index and Disaster Emergency Committee, Haiti was one of the poorest countries in the world before the natural disaster, the lowest ranking in the entire Western Hemisphere.

We at The Daily Activist have written about numerous ways to help Haiti and support relief efforts as well as ways that celebrities are raising funds and awareness for the cause. Graham Nash donated profits from his song to Habitat for Humanity, Sean Penn launched the J/P HRO charity, and Linkin Park is still trying to bring sustainable energy to Haiti through solar powered lights.

And now, after this most recent anniversary, there’s been even more of an outpouring of support from musicians and celebrities. For example, soul singer Alicia Keys Tweeted, “Can U believe 500,000 ppl in #Haiti still live under tarps & tents. I’m helping thru @AidStillRequired Hope U will 2. RT.” That organization, Aid Still Required , helps create jobs and self-sufficiency, as well as provide education and health information to people on the island.

Songstress Candice Anitra also wrote and recorded a song entitled “Today” for which proceed will benefit two specific relief efforts. According to the YouTube page for “Today,” “All proceeds go to: 1) Partners in Health’s construction of 180,000 sq. foot, 320-bed Mirebalais National Teaching Hospital to change face of public health care in Haiti, and 2) The Global Syndicate’s “Shine a Light” Campaign to provide solar-powered lights to subsistence wage earners – who otherwise pay up to 30% of their income for kerosene to see at night – improving education, productivity, and the environment, while reducing violence against women and children.” Watch the video here and download/donate Anitra’s benefit song here.

Additionally, the alt-rockers in State Radio recently released a new song called “Roadway Broken,” where half of the proceeds go directly to Partners in Health, as well. No strangers to social activism, State Radio also made it on our Activist Soundtrack last year.

Read more at Disaster Emergency Committee , Aid Still Required, Partners in Health, and The Global Syndicate.