Water Saves Lives in Haiti

On a golf course in Port-au-Prince, 50,000 earthquake survivors have set up a makeshift camp. There is little food and scarce shade, but there's one thing that's critical to their survival: water.

Thanks to your donation, Oxfam is already getting it to them by the truckload.

Yesterday, our staff in Haiti sent photos from that golf course to show you how your gift is helping. I'm hoping you'll forward this slideshow to your friends and family, to make sure everyone knows that despite the severe challenges, aid is getting through:

The city's clean water system was crippled in the quake, and Oxfam is now in charge of coordinating multiple aid groups in the rush to deliver clean water and sanitation ˆ to prevent an "aftershock" of disease and life-threatening dehydration. Our staff are experts in building temporary systems quickly and efficiently ˆ trucking water into inaccessible areas, erecting massive storage tanks, hauling in generators, repairing pumps, laying temporary water lines, and handing out containers so people can carry water back to their homes.

Your donation has also helped us deploy rescue teams to collapsed buildings and provide picks and shovels to local relief workers. Days after the quake, our staff was still hearing cries coming from the rubble and because of you, we were able to save lives.

Still, the need is great. US officials are now saying the death toll could reach 200,000, and the recovery effort has just begun. You've already supported Oxfam with a donation ˆ but there are lots of other great ways to help:

Spread the word on Facebook or Twitter, or by forwarding this email.
Send a text message. Text your friends and let them know they can donate by mobile phone. Tell them to text "OXFAM" to 25383, and a $10 donation to Oxfam's Haiti relief efforts will automatically show up on their phone bill.*
Set up your own fund raising page. Set up a "Help Me Help Haiti" fund through Oxfam for your workplace, school, sports team, club, or just family and friends.
Hold a fund-raising event for Haiti. A bake sale, a performance, a party ˆ they can all raise money for earthquake relief efforts. You can create a special fundraising page for your event. Or, organize the whole thing on Facebook and raise money via Oxfam's Haiti Page on Facebook.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and I can't thank you enough for being part of our emergency response efforts.

We will continue to keep you updated on the situation in Haiti, and on how your support is making a difference.

Sincerely,

Raymond C. Offenheiser
President
Oxfam America

A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging & Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Oxfam America by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code 25383; Reply HELP to 25383 for help.

It's nice to know someone is out there making a difference.