Wow! What a great meeting last night! It's always so beautiful to see folks from all different walks of life come/pull together in a time of crisis. A lot of info was discussed in regards to what we can do to help Haiti, but since everything is so chaotic right now Sam with Burners Without Borders is flying down there today to get a better idea as to how to organize our efforts. There are so many organizations he has networked with around the world such as:

• United Way
• Monosconalas
• Tsunami Volunteer Center
• Airline Ambassadors
• Hands On Disaster
• Happy Hearts Fund
• Help Tammi Help Haiti

Thus far, Dr Mike with Monosconalas has a 6 seater plane which can hold up to 700 lbs. The biggest problems these poor people having are receiving the aid that's coming in- especially antibiotics/ medicines. There are only so many ways to get in to that area.... Again, Sam will be down there to do a full assessment. Distribution is the primary focus! Here are some things needed:

• Water- natural earth filtration devices, Brita filters, etc..
• Medical Supplies/ Antibiotics
• Food
• Shelter
• Vehicles
• Donations for plane fuel ($800 - $1k/ trip)
• Self inflatable life vests
• Rafts (Finn is working on this)
• Pilots 
• Planes
• Orthopedic surgeons
• Blood!

Sam's vision is to set up a permanent hub in Haiti over the next 2 years. Should you be interested in volunteering, I believe there could be up to a 3 month wait if you are not experienced in disaster relief or not a doctor or nurse. The Basura Warehouse will be their staging area over the next few months. All donations should be brought there.  Brenda Zimmerman, BWB's logistics person, flew in today and will soon distribute more information for us . She will provide us with  the password to Base Camp, the project management tool we will all refer to.  Monies donated will be given to her, also or to a grass roots organization for Haiti (I will post that link once I find it).

In a nutshell, we are waiting on Sam... in the meanwhile though, give as much or do as much you can- support events (such as Val's on Feb 20th and Amanda's with Planting Peace on March 27th- more info coming soon), spread the word, buy raffle tickets that support the cause, etc...  This is a devastating event, guys. I will keep everyone updated as well....... Even with all our efforts combined and we save 1 life, a life saved is a life saved.