Oxfam relief efforts continue in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Following the announced end of search and rescue efforts in Haiti, Mark Fried of international aid agency Oxfam said:

“The end of search and rescue efforts does not mean we can slow down. Relief and recovery for the survivors is the priority now.

“Hundreds of thousands who lost everything but their lives need water for drinking and washing. They need latrines to contain the spread of disease. They need shelter and simple household items like cooking pots.

“Haitians are grieving, but they are also buoyed by the generous outpouring of support from around the world. Despite the losses they have suffered, they are working hard to turn the empty lots, golf courses and churchyards where they have taken refuge into places where they can live in dignity. Oxfam and other aid agencies are there working alongside them.”

To support Oxfam’s response in Haiti, please donate to the Haiti Earthquake Response Fund. Donations can be made at www.oxfamamerica.org, by phone (1-800-77-OXFAM), by fax (1-617-728-2562), by text (OXFAM to 25383, to give $10) or by mail (Oxfam America, Haiti Earthquake Response Fund, PO Box 1211, Albert Lea, MN 56007-1211).

Notes to editors

Media in Haiti, please contact Liz Lucas at +1 617 785 772 (call or text), llucas@oxfamamerica.org or skype: elizlucas

For further information, and to arrange interviews, please contact Maura Hart at +1 202 476 0093 or mhart@oxfamamerica.org.

Broadcast quality video of Oxfam water distribution at Petionville Club, Port-au-Prince filmed Friday, January 22nd available at: http://drop.io/haitivideo/media

Oxfam America has raised $9.6 million dollars since Tuesday’s earthquake. For more information on fundraising, contact Helen DaSilva at +1 617 331 2984 or hdasilva@oxfamamerica.org.