Times are tough financially, especially for students and post-grads in today's dire job market. After Tuesday's devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake left Haitian capital Port-au-Prince in shambles and tens of thousands feared dead or severely injured, struggling young music fans nation-wide were left wondering, "I want to help, but how can I?"
Luckily, multi-platinum-selling Haitian-American recording artist Wyclef Jean has provided them with an answer. The musician has been instrumental in spreading awareness of the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund, which provides those who have fallen on hard economic times a way to help make a difference by simply sending a text message. "Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now," says Jean on Yele.org, "We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can click here to DONATE."
By incorporating those unable to write inflated checks into the relief effort, the Yele Fund is unique in its ability to broaden the scope of its fundraising. The Facebook Generation are given the opportunity to offer assistance to those affected by the catastrophe by doing what they do best, texting. While the $5 donation may seem modest, when paired with contributions from thousands of other concerned young citizens nationwide, the magnitude of that five bucks is multiplied several times over.
Jean's full statement reads:
“Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced.
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake – and several very strong aftershocks – struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince.
I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now.
President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands ‘ready to assist’ the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible.”
Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can click here to DONATE.
Thank you,
Wyclef"
Comments
Thank you, Mr. Seaton, for publicizing this opportunity to give! I think it is important for us to help those less fortunate, especially in times like this. My donation's already in!
Thank YOU for helping make a difference, Marchand :)
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