Above: Hurricane Matthew comes ashore on Haiti. Photo courtesy NASA.

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, which destroyed 90 percent of Southern Haiti on October 5, Digicel launched a text line that will allow its customers to donate well-needed funds towards the humanitarian relief effort that is urgently needed in Haiti.

By texting the word ‘HELP’, Digicel customers across the Caribbean can help to make a huge difference to the people of Haiti. Digicel will donate all funds it receives to three Haitian charities – Haven, Paradis des Indiens and Prodev. In addition, there is no restriction on the number of texts a customer can send, so people are free to donate as much as they like.

Digicel Haiti Chairman, Maarten Boute, said; “This is truly a sad time for Haiti and its people and my condolences go to all the families who lost loved ones. We are reaching out to everyone that can help – no donation is too small. We remained strong after the earthquake in 2010 and will continue to show our strength through these trying times as well. I would like to thank everyone for keeping Haiti in their thoughts at this time.”

Launched in 2008, Haven has built or upgraded homes and shelters for close to 20,000 people and has touched the lives of over 200,000 Haitians. The Paradis des Indiens was founded in 1975 as a school in Abricots, Haiti but over the years, it has grown to become a pillar in the south west region through its network of 12 schools and diverse community building initiatives.

PRODEV is a Haitian-led education-focused non-profit organisation which operates three schools and is assisting in the post hurricane relief. PRODEV’s mission is to develop, manage and support schools in an effort to building a stronger Haiti.