Legislator Abrahams & community leaders coordinate to assist victims of devastating earthquake in Haiti
Establish 'Haitian Emergency Relief Fund'1-800-966-8262
On Jan. 15, Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) gathered a wide cross section of community, religious and business leaders; humanitarian groups; social service agencies; the American Red Cross and members of the Haitian community to coordinate efforts to aid the earthquake victims in Haiti. He was also joined by Legislator Robert Troiano (D-Westbury), who is coordinating with the Town of North Hempstead to establish drop off points for relief in the Town parks.
The group rallied in support of the victims today at the Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes Church in Roosevelt. Legislator Abrahams announced that together with City National Bank, President Louis Prezeau has established the Haitian Emergency Relief Fund to accept donations through the City National Bank branch in Roosevelt. The bank’s president, Mr. Prezeau, is from Haiti. This account will provide a resource to solicit monetary donations and contributions from supportive customers, corporate partners, local businesses and the many concerned citizens. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can call Legislator Abrahams’ office at 516-571-6201 or the City National Bank at 1-800-966-8262.
“The devastation in Haiti may be over 1,500 miles away, but the feeling of loss and heartbreak is right here at our doorstep,” Abrahams said. “Our Haitian friends, neighbors and co-workers who live here in Roosevelt, Uniondale and in so many other communities in Nassau County are in pain today. I hope that our efforts here will let them know that they are not alone. We want to help.”
Abrahams also kicked off the donations by texting to the American Red Cross and made a $10 donation. (See instructions below). Drop off points for relief such as water, canned goods and medical supplies, include One West Street in Mineola.
Abrahams also announced that local businessman Arthur Katz, president of Knockout Pest Control in Uniondale, has offered to match local contributions the Haitian Emergency Relief Fund totaling up to $10,000 for earthquake relief in Haiti.
“As Haiti deals with the overwhelming tragedy resulting from the massive earthquake on January 12, I am asking for the support of the Long Island community in creating a large donation that will go much further than individual contributions in helping those affected,” said Katz.
In addition, Gilford Finch of Giggles Comedy Plus, 468 West Peninsula Blvd. in Hempstead, has announced that he will be hosting a fundraiser for Haitian earthquake victims on Saturday, January 16.
Minister Kebraau Nicolas of Uniondale gave an emotional speech telling those present that her father and brother had left from Kennedy Airport last Monday night bound for Haiti. She is still awaiting word that they are safe.
Among the supporters at the press conference were:
?Pastor Jean Albert ReJouis of Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes
?Sam Kille of the American Red Cross
?The Economic Opportunity Commission
?Doug Mayers, Long Island Caribbean Association
?Haitian American Family of Long Island –HAFALI
?Haitian Americans Friendship Association
?Urban League
?Elsie Claudy of Claudy Beauty Sup
?Mervyn Campbell of the Uniondale Fire Department
?Dr. Steven Lloyd, Superintendent of the Uniondale School District
?Robert Wayne Harris, Superintendent of the Roosevelt School District
To Donate to Haitian relief:
Haitian Emergency Relief Fund 1-800-966-8262
?Text the word, ‘Haiti,’ to 90999 to make a $10 dollar donation to the Red Cross. It will be charged to your cell phone bill.
?Or text “Yele” to 501501 and donate $5.
?The American Red Cross
?Haitian-American Family Association of Long Island is accepting donations: 516-792-1104
?Hope for Haiti-hopeforhaiti.com
?Unicef-unicef.com
?International Medical Corps: imcworldwide.com
?Beyond Borders: beyondborders.net
?Americares: americares.org
?Link for tracing family members in Haiti: www.icrc.org/familylinks
Drop off points for relief include:
?One West Street, Mineola
?Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes church in Roosevelt
?Tabernacle of Joy in Uniondale
?Giggles Comedy Club in Hempstead
?Claudy’s Beauty Supply in Uniondale
?One Offering Tabernacle Church in Hempstead
?Town of North Hempstead parks
