First Wave of World Vision Relief Supplies to Arrive in Haiti Friday
Afternoon

PORT-AU-PRINCE , Jan. 15 /CNW/ - The first wave of major aid from World Vision is expected to arrive in earthquake-ravaged Haiti at 3:30PM local time Friday afternoon.

After a short but agonizing delay, World Vision's airlift of much-needed relief supplies to the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince left Denver International Airport at 5:30AM . The flight had been originally scheduled to leave on Thursday afternoon, but was delayed due to congestion at the Port-au-Prince airport.

The 18-ton aircraft is carrying more than $75,000 in vital relief supplies to provide shelter and drinkable water to those affected by Tuesday's 7.0-magnitude earthquake. The quake has affected almost 3 million men, women and children - one in three Haitians.

Prior to this airlift, World Vision has been distributing relief supplies already in place - basic materials including blankets, clothes and bottles of water - that were sent in for the hurricane season.

World Vision Canada President and CEO Dave Toycen said, "We are so grateful that our first airlift, the first sign of the outpouring of the world's support to the children and families of Haiti , will be arriving today."

"But we need more. We need more help. There's not enough water, food or medical supplies. And it's absolutely unacceptable."

As of Friday morning, World Vision Canada has raised $2.5 million towards relief efforts for families and children in Haiti . World Vision's goal is to raise $10 million as quickly as possible to help as many of the 3 million people who have been affected by this disaster. Those wishing to contribute can visit www.worldvision.ca or call 1-800-268-5528.

NOTE TO EDITORS: World Vision Canada has visuals of its work in Haiti and the situation there available. Please visit the World Vision News Centre for further details: http://www.worldvision.ca/About-Us/News-centre/

    
    -   World Vision donors support more than 52,000 children in Haiti,
        including more than 10,800 children sponsored by Canadians.
    -   World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy
        organization dedicated to working with children, families and
        communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves
        all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
    

For further information: To interview World Vision staff or for more information, please contact: Yoko Kobayashi, [phone] ext. 2151, [phone] (cell), [email protected]; Britt Hamilton, [phone] ext. 3973, [phone] (cell), [email protected]