There’s been an international outpouring of concern in the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday, a disaster that has already caused the death of hundreds of thousands of people. Wanting to help, some of my readers have asked me if any Pagan charities are currently planning on sending aid or resources to Haiti. The answer at this time is “I don’t know”. I do know that several groups are planning workings, vigils, and coordinated prayer, but I’ve yet to see any news on physical relief efforts. That said, I don’t think Pagans should wait until one comes forward, as most Pagan charities will likely funnel funds into one of the larger reputable relief organizations on the ground in Haiti.

To find a reputable charity, I suggest Charity Navigator, which provides a listing of groups engaging in Haiti earthquake relief and gives ratings on each one. I would also read their tips on giving during times of crisis. As for specific charities, I’m quite partial to Doctors Without Borders, especially as medical care is going to be a top priority in the initial aftermath.

As for certain hate-mongers who imply that Haiti’s ties to Vodou brought this earthquake down upon them in judgment, I’ll deal with them later. For now we should focus on those who need help, and know that those who try to gain publicity or profit from this tragedy will ultimately reap what they sow.

If you are with a Pagan charity, or a Pagan group that is planning a coordinated working/prayer for the benefit of Haiti, please feel free to share in the comments. I’ll update this post as needed.

May the Good God and the Loa aid and protect the people of Haiti in this time of crisis.

ADDENDUM: The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and the Unitarian Universalist Association have launched a joint earthquake relief fund to help the survivors.

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab will be adding proceeds from all January sales of the Orisha blends (Elegba, Obatala, Ochosi, Ogun, Olokun, Osun, Oya, Shango, and Yemaya) (in the Excolo category) to the Red Cross fund. This is in addition to the proceeds from January sales of Port-Au-Prince (in the Wanderlust category).

The Roots Without End Society’s charitable arm, Vodou Aid, is accepting funds for earthquake relief.

Lodestone & Lady’s Mantle will be donating all profits from the sale of spell and ritual oils to Doctors without Borders, for the month of January. They have just set up the announcement in their Etsy shop, and will be updating the main website shortly.

Avalon Cares, the charitable branch of Officers of Avalon, is accepting donations for Haiti.  They are looking into ways to support emergency first responders by sending supplies and/or money for direct relief. Their goal is to help communities recover as quickly as possible and to fill in needs not met by larger organizations.

Acts of Kindness which is the charitable arm of Society of the Evening Star is accepting donations which will be redirected to relief efforts in Haiti. SOTES and AOK are fully registered charitable organizations and all donations are fully tax deductible.

Tags: charity, earthquake, Haiti, Vodou