A devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake has hit Haiti, including the densely populated capital Port-Au-Prince and the surrounding area. Although there is as yet no accurate assessment of the death toll it is clear that millions of people live in the affected area. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, greatly increasing the risk that people will suffer or die in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

We have so much to be thankful for in Dobcross. When disasters occur so far away from here it may seem that there is little we can do to help, but there are many charities who are in a position to make a real difference. All they need is money. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) was formed in 1963. They are an umbrella organisation for Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision. For more information visit www.dec.org.uk

Donations can be made at DOBCROSS POST OFFICE or any bank by quoting Freepay 1449. To make a postal donation make cheques payable to ‘DEC Haiti Earthquake’ and mail to ‘PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA’. Or Telephone 0370 60 60 900.  Or donate online www.dec.org.uk