Hello.

By now, we all know that the devastation from the earthquake in Haiti is far beyond original estimates, both in terms of loss of life, destruction and disruption of critical services. Many of our employees have heard that their relatives are safe. Others have lost loved ones or are still trying to reach their relatives to determine if they are alright. Our heart goes out to those affected and we want them and all WHRG employees to know that our communities and nursing centers are responding in a variety of ways.

WHRG staff swung into action as soon as they realized the extent of the tragedy. Prayer services have been held, fund-raisers are being organized and clothing drives coordinated.

Administrators, executive directors and supervisors are letting affected staff members know about the assistance being offering at individual communities or nursing centers to help staff contact family members or obtain counseling services.  Additionally, WHRG staff not directly affected by the earthquake who would like to offer assistance will find notices about ways to help posted within their buildings.

What are other ways to help?
 Most relief organizations are asking for monetary donations and are making it easy for individuals to donate funds through their cell phones or online via the Internet.

If you feel you can help on a personal level, don’t be afraid to reach out to a fellow employee who may be dealing with tragedy or uncertainty. If you would like to make a donation, we have listed three organizations below that are seeking assistance.

·         The American Red Cross – Initial emergency efforts focus on feeding, sheltering and supplying any other basic needs. To donate: Go to RedCross.org and hit the donate now button at top and then International Response Fund. You also can text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the International Response Fund. Funds go directly to relief efforts in Haiti. Or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

·         AmeriCares – A not-for-profit disaster relief organization that delivers medicine, medical supplies and aid to people around the world. To donate, call 1-800-486-HELP or go to AmeriCares.org. Donations will go toward medicine, medical supplies and related expenses.

·         The Salvation Army – Primary mission is the provision of food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort during disasters. To donate money, go to salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Designate the donation for "Haiti Earthquake”

If you know someone who is still having difficulty locating a relative in Haiti, the International American Red Cross has a website that can be used to find family members.  The link is www.icrc.org/familylinks

Sincerely,

Richard Welch
President