halton paramedics in haiti - real friends doing real good for real people

The past 12 days have been difficult ones for many people: for the people in Haiti - and those with family there. Some people have the skills and ability to help now (and many are doing just that), but others will be needed later so we need to be sure we don't forget.

At lunch the other day, a friend observed, 'Days fly...but years drag...' and he made a good point.  Right now, immediate medical support and supplies tops the hit parade for the folks in Haiti; but, next month...and next year...and three years from now, that need will remain as pressing. It will just be a different need.

A good friend of ours, many of his colleagues, a pastor and three brilliant doctors are on the ground at University Hospital in Port au Prince.  Another Burlington resident has kindly started a Facebook site - Halton Paramedics in Haiti - to keep family and friends up-to-date on their daily efforts.  The photos show what words can't: a mother watching a child being treated, an injured person watching those who are offering care, places that have suddenly become clinics, but were recreational spots before.  The site is open - join it and go take a look.

Another friend noted the other day that she wished she had medical training so she could go help now: I told her to hold that thought.  Now, medical skills top the list of needs, but six months and a year from now, other skills will be needed too. Teachers and engineers and builders and many other folks as Haiti is resurrected (not an accidental choice of words, might I add).  There will be something for all of us to do to keep attention on this place and to be sure we don't turn away from the need that will change but grow.

I was quite cheered to read that both The Gap and Levis maintain operations here - and that they were actively working to assist their employees.  Remember that.  Why can't Haiti replace China (I am happy to rant about China as cheap goods from China blunt development in Haiti, South America, Louisiana and Ontario - to name a few spots who could use the trade)? 

I'm equally cheered by the calm voice of Lawrence Cannon - our Foreign Affairs Minister.  His regular updates - although the news is not always good - are sincere and gentle.  I am not always a great fan of our current government (okay...rarely) but you earn respect in shifting circumstances for simply saying, 'We don't have perfect answers and where our answers are wrong, we'll fix it.'  Wouldn't it be nice if we all remembered that when we are not in the teeth of crisis.  (That is not a question...it's an observation...)

Let's all mark our calendars for one year from now - 2011.  Let's see if we remember Haiti when the benefits are done and the CNN staff have gone on to the next assignment. 

Feed the Children Canada is waiting for the ports to reopen so the can ship a container of clothers and supplies.  Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR), a smaller charity remains in Africa, tending to many people whose needs have become less pressing to the international community for the moment, but whose needs are pressing to them every day.

One year...mark your calendar...and don't forget in between....