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We're Challenging Small Businesses to Step Up for Haiti

Calgary, Alberta – January 19, 2010 – The 7.0-magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti on January 12, 2010 was devastating, but the way people have jumped into action to provide relief has rocked the world. Donations continue to surpass $210 million, most coming from big businesses and organizations from all over.

What about the smaller businesses?

Western Canadian Furnace Company, which is a family-run business in Calgary, is challenging other local and international Canadian businesses to stand up and contribute what they can and speak out about it - because business owners are in a perfect position to make a contribution, and right now every donation, small or big, counts.

Anything from $10 and up in donations can make a difference, as illustrated by the Text HAITI Campaign, which has raised, to date, over $22 million alone! Combined numbers of small business donations can create a significant resource in rebuilding the communities of Haiti.

Oksana Irwin, Vice President of Western Canadian Furnace, is at the forefront of this challenge.

"2009 was a tough year for the economy, and businesses have only started to recover. Our company is still on a shoe string budget. But there are things that outweigh our own comforts...we can still assume the responsibility of giving what we can. And I think it's a responsibility all business, big or small, should take on."

They have donated $1000 to the Canadian Red Cross' efforts in providing relief support; medical support, clean water, food and shelter to people who have lost everything.

If you would like to donate, there are a number of charity organisations that distribute 100% of donations to the Haiti relief efforts: Red Cross, Angel's Network, World Vision.

A Letter from a Friend

Hi to all,

I received this today. It's from Michael (a long time, close friend from my hometown of Montreal) who works for Ericsson and was sent to Haiti to help re-establish communication. He left with his sleeping bag and water. His email is both very sad and encouraging with all the nations banding together to help rebuild a devastated country.

Thought you may want to read a first hand comment about the situation. Find pictures below.  

Michelle Durocher
Marketing and Promotions Manager
Western Canadian Furnace Company



Sent: Wed, January 20, 2010 8:40:25 AM
Subject: Doing ok considering the others

Hi,
 
For all of you that have been inquiring about me, I'm ok and doing well, considering what the others here are actually going through. Communication is spotty at best so not in contact very much.

Helicoptered into Port-au-Prince thru Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic (only way to get in now). As soon as we were approaching PAP, we could see the devastation and displacement of many Haitians. It's really bad here, worst then what you are seeing on TV back home. So if you have a chance to give a couple of dollars to a good reputable charity for Haiti, please do so. The children here go to bed hungry almost every night and sleep in the middle of the road, separated only by small stones. They are afraid to sleep in their homes, but I'm not sure what's more dangerous! They had nothing before this, now they have less then nothing, if that's possible. It's very, very sad. Do your part if you can.
 
Other than that, spirits are good, everyone at Ericsson is working very hard here, under very harsh conditions, in order to restore the network. They're very dedicated and courageous people, every single one of them. They are calling me by radio code name "Eagle 1". It's hot, muggy and sanitary conditions are non-existent. Every possible nation is here, it's absolutely incredible to see - some setting up field hospitals, some distributing food and some trying to keep the peace. It warms your heart to see these nations working side by side and have come together for the good of Haiti..
 
I knew I was doing the right thing when I left Montreal on Saturday. When I entered US customs, the officer asked me where I was going and why. I told him I was going to Haiti and what Ericsson was attempting to do here. He reached across the booth and extended his hand to shake mine and said, "Thank you and be safe." I knew then, it was the right thing to do.
 
Got to go - the troops are getting restless.
 
Talk soon!
 
Eagle 1, over and out.