CANF EXTENDS CONDOLENCES AND SOLIDARITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HAITI IN AFTERMATH OF DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKES; CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             January 13, 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION:                                             CAMILA GALLARDO  305-215-4259

CANF EXTENDS CONDOLENCES AND SOLIDARITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HAITI IN AFTERMATH OF DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKES; CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS 

Today, the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) extended its condolences and support to the people of Haiti in the aftermath of yesterday’s devastating earthquake. This afternoon, CANF participated in a White House conference call with community leaders where the groups were briefed on the exhaustive efforts and resources the United States government has begun to deploy to the region.  While the damage and casualties have yet to be assessed, they are thought to be extensive. 

 The Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) has called upon its members and the larger Cuban American communities to support relief efforts in Haiti by making donations to organizations such as the International Red Cross that have already begun to disperse aid to earthquake victims. 

“For years the Cuban American and Haitian communities in South Florida have worked side by side on such issues as refugee detention and asylum status.  Today we extend those friends as well as all the Haitian people our deepest sympathies, particularly those who have lost family and friends.  While we can only imagine the kind of devastation they face but knowing their enduring spirit and tenacity, we are sure they will meet this challenge and triumph as they have so many times in the past,” said Jorge Mas Santos, Chairman of the Cuban American National Foundation.

“Today we call on all Cuban Americans to join the efforts to support the people of Haiti by contacting the International Red Cross or the dozens of local and national agencies that are delivering direct assistance to the Haitian people in this time of dire need,”  concluded Mas Santos.

###