CALIFORNIA SAN MANUEL TRIBE SENDS 1.7 MILLION DOLLARS TO HAITI

California tribe steps forward
San Manuel donates $1.7 million to Haitian relief efforts

By Staff reports
Story Published: Jan 29, 2010

HIGHLAND, Calif. – The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is contributing $1.7 million to the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders to assist with ongoing relief and recovery efforts in earthquake ravaged Haiti.The contribution will enable these organizations to continue to provide critical services as survivors recover in the aftermath.

The gift will be provided as a $1.5 million donation to the American Red Cross with an additional $200,000 given to Doctors Without Borders.“At this time of unimaginable grief and destruction we are called to act to prevent the further loss of life and ease the suffering of survivors,” said San Manuel Chairman James Ramos.

“We stand behind and support the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders as they remain on hand with their volunteers to assist those who are impacted.”San Manuel has a long history of supporting relief efforts following natural disasters in its home state of California, along the gulf coast and on reservations across the United States.

In 2005, the tribe donated $700,000 to help in the relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, followed by a $1 million donation in 2007 to aid in wildfire recovery in southern California. Additionally, the tribe has supported relief for Sudanese refugees by donating a total of $1 million to relief groups in war-torn Darfur.“The entrusted partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is critical to the ability of the American Red Cross to provide help and hope for the people of Haiti during their time of need,” said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross president and CEO.

“Because of the generosity of donors like the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, people in Haiti will recieve more than immediate relief – they will receive, support and training from the Red Cross that will help them recover and rebuild for years to come.”As a concerned and responsive tribal community, San Manuel continues to evaluate and monitor the situation as it unfolds, offering continued community and staff support. Emergency service professionals from the San Manuel Fire Department are on active standby to be deployed to Haiti to assist in recovery, and the youth of the reservation are holding fundraisers to provide additional contributions to the Haitian relief effort.

The tribe calls for the continued support for Haiti and implores individuals to also contribute to the ongoing humanitarian mission.

Indian Country Today-Jan. 29, 2010