2010
Mar
16
Celebrities support Haiti relief efforts
by AFP|16 March 2010

Geneva, Switzerland: Celebrities have joined in an international outpouring of support for survivors of Haiti's devastating earthquake, with Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, actress Sandra Bullock and singer Madonna all digging deep for the cause.

According to data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Bundchen has offered US$1.5 million ($2.09 million) while Bullock has given one million US dollars to relief efforts.

The Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie foundation has pledged a million US dollars, Madonna has donated US$250,000 and actress Alyssa Milano has given US$50,000.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong's foundation has also committed US$250,000.

UN data showed that at least US567.67 million have been pledged by individuals, countries, companies and international organisations to date.

Corporations that have chipped in include US banks Goldman Sachs and Bank of America, which have each promised one million dollars, and Citigroup, which has pledged two million US dollars.

Rather than sending cash, others are helping by sending supplies or experts.

Suriname has despatched military and police personnel to Haiti, as well as blankets and rice.

Bolivia has sent blood for transfusions and food to feed survivors, while Venezuela sent a plane with experts and supplies.

Countries further afield, like Bangladesh and the Philippines, have also flown in medical teams.

Aid agencies are meanwhile continuing to funnel supplies and experts into the country.

The international Red Cross said another batch of experts left Geneva for Haiti, where they are expected to provide forensics, tracing, nursing communications and logistics support.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is due to arrive later in Port-au-Prince, has called the devastating quake in Haiti the "most serious humanitarian crisis" to face the world body in decades.

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