Relief efforts for Haiti will culminate in a massive telethon this Friday that will be the most widely seen event of its kind, according to MTV. Featuring performances from Los Angeles, New York and London, the telethon will be broadcast through MTV networks available in 640 million homes worldwide, including for the first time China's MTV channel, as well as audiences through other major networks such as CNN.
George Clooney, the actor who organized the event, will host the two-hour "Hope for Haiti Now" show starting at 8 p.m. EST on Friday to raise money for the earthquake-ravaged Caribbean country. Perfomers in Los Angeles include Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift and a group jam by Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. In New York, Haiti-born singer Wyclef Jean will be joined by Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira and Sting. The event will also be streamed live on websites including YouTube, Hulu and MySpace and through mobile phone carriers, raising the size of the potential audience.
MTV, the show's co-producer, said the broad collaboration would make it the most widely distributed telethon in history.
Other telethons and concert fundraisers have claimed huge audiences and brought in millions in relief money.
Within hours of hearing the news about the deadly earthquake in Haiti, people across the globe began sending in relief donations through text messaging and various Internet sites. Here are some of the agencies you can text your donations.
- Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund: text the word “Yele” to 501501.
- American Red Cross: text “Haiti” to 90999
- Clinton Foundation: text “Haiti” to 20222
- International Medical Corps: text “Haiti” to 85944
- International Rescue Committee: text “Haiti” to 25383
- Salvation Army: text “Haiti” to 52000
Some live events are listed below:
MIAMI
Miami Heat and American Airlines Arena Haiti Relief Drop-Off
Through Monday, Jan. 25, donations of bottled water, towels, clothing and canned goods can be dropped off at the Container on Wheels storage containers at the American Airlines Arena in Miami
MIAMI SHORES, FL
Jean-Michel Daudier performs with other Haitian jazz musicians.
Friday, January 22, 2010
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Miami Shores Golf Country Club
1000 Biscayne Blvd
Miami Shores, FL
MINNEAPOLIS
Graves 601 Hotel Ballroom
Thursday, January 21
6-9pm
Sip cocktails, dance and shop a selection of t-shirts and handmade goods from Haiti
A portion of the takings and all proceeds from sales will go to Healing Haiti.
Cedar Cultural Center
Solidarite avec Haiti
Friday January 22.
Music from Caribbean, Brazilian and African artists, food and an art auction,
All proceeds from the door, food and art sales to Doctors Without Borders.
There are millions of Haitians who need help—now. Here are organizations to help you do it:
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
2025 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to make a $10 donation.
The oldest, most reputable international organization devoted to disaster relief.
PARTNERS IN HEALTH
P.O. Box 845578
Boston, MA 02284-5578
NGO run by almost-USAID director Paul Farmer providing health resources to Haiti since 1985.
OXFAM AMERICA
226 Causeway St., 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02114-2206
Charity devoted to stopping hunger and providing nutrition to communities in crisis.
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS USA/MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF)
333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001-5004
Traditional, yet innovative medical providers spread across the globe.
SAVE THE CHILDREN
Haiti Earthquake Children in Emergency Fund
54 Wilton Road
Westport, CT 06880
Children-focused relief agency with a special earthquake fund.
THE SALVATION ARMY
615 Slaters Lane
P.O. Box 269
Alexandria, VA 22313
Church-based coordinator of health and family services.
WORLD VISION
Haiti Earthquake Relief
P.O. Box 9716
Federal Way, Wash. 98063-9716
U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF
125 Maiden Lane
New York, N.Y. 10038
Charity specifically targeting children—providing educational materials, food, water and medicine.