PRESS RELEASE
The Salvation Army Earthquake Relief Operation
Extends to Haitian Countryside
First Salvation Army Aid Begins to Reach Petit Goave
January 25, 2010 – The coastal community of Petit Goave (Little Gulf) on the north coast of the Haiti peninsular will be the next community to benefit from Salvation Army Earthquake relief efforts.
Major Emmanuel Michaud and Captain Serge Lainne, Haitian born Salvation Army Officers serving in Chicago. Il and Miami. FL respectively did an assessment yesterday to determine the post Earthquake circumstances of this community where a Salvation Army Corps and School is presently located.
In describing what he saw in Petit Goave Major Michaud said, “Getting there will be ragged and rugged because the roads are badly damaged but with caution, care and God’s help we can transport volunteers, materials and hope to these people.”
Captain Lainne noted that the Corps and School facilities appeared to have minor damage but are fully usable.
The Mayor, when visited by these two officers, expressed appreciation for and pledged full cooperation the efforts of the Army’s efforts, in partnership with The United Nations. This city of 200,000 is estimated to have lost 1,500 and had another 3,000 persons injured in the Quake.
Within a six mile radius there are approximately 6,000 living in temporary housing such as tents and “make-shift” shelters.
Beginning January 25, 2010 the two officers who did the initial assessment will be assigned as the Advance Coordination Team for the Petit Goave effort.
Major Cedric Hills, The Army’s International Emergency Services Program Command Officer for the entire Haiti effort expressed great glee for this very important “next step” as the Army’s response team expands its efforts to assist Major Lecien Lamartiuere, Haiti Divisional Commander, as he leads his officers, soldiers, staff and volunteers in this entire recovery effort.
Major Lamartiuere first encountered The Salvation Army in 1982 when a friend invited him to attend a Corps meeting in Port au Prince. He, as a Baptist, was so blessed, inspired and moved by the spirit of Salvationists in worship that when he went home to Petit Goave, he started a corps. Of course, as a non-Salvationist the work was not given official Corps status until eight years later when the, now Major and Divisional Commander, sent himself to the Army’s Training College in Kingston, Jamaica. Because his successor was a Salvation Army Officer, the work in Petit Goave was officially recognized. Major Lamartiuere said, “I understand the official and non official dates but, in my heart, the Corps opened in 1982.”
He added how happy he is that the relief effort will start in Petit Goave.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, you can donate through:
•Online Credit Card Contributions or PayPal
• Text ‘HAITI’ to 52000
•Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
•Mail a check to
The Salvation Army
2445 Prior AVE N
Roseville, MN 55313
*Please note that your donation is for Haiti Earthquake relief*
•Even before donations are processed, The Salvation Army is committing and spending money on relief efforts in Haiti. Donations are critical now and also help ensure that the long-term needs of the Haitian people are met. Click below to make an online donation.
