January 13, 2010
Stars Pledge Aid to Haiti
Celebrities have expressed their grief and condolences regarding the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti yesterday -- and they've issued a plea for help.
Wyclef Jean, a native of Haiti, created the Yele Haiti charity in 2005 to provide aid for the impoverished nation. Now, Jean has set up a Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund -- and is speaking out on the disaster.
"Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced," Wyclef says in a statement. "I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now."
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have both worked closely with Wyclef in Haiti, and say they are "devastated" by news of the quake.
"We will work closely with our good friend Wyclef Jean to support the humanitarian efforts on the island and help those who have been injured and left without homes and shelter," the couple says in a statement.
President Obama has also pledged U.S. help for Haiti, and Wyclef is offering a way for everyday citizens to donate to the Earthquake Fund.
"Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text "Yele" to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can visit www.Yele.org and click on DONATE."
See other stars giving back below:
