August has been a month of heartbreak and loss for the citizens of Haiti. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake that, according to UNICEF estimates, impacted roughly 1.2 million people devastated the island nation Aug. 14. Days later Tropical Storm Grace hit the same region and caused further disruption.
To help, the statewide union is encouraging members to consider donating to the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund, the union’s 501(c)3 charitable organization.
“People helping people is the ultimate form of solidarity,” said NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer, J. Philippe Abraham whose office manages the disaster relief fund. “NYSUT members are always among the first to show compassion and empathy for others in times of need. I encourage all who are able to contribute to the fund to lend a helping hand to the people of Haiti as they face these hardships.”
Funded through voluntary donations, the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund provides relief for eligible losses stemming from man-made occurrences, such as an accidental house fire; natural disasters, such as weather-related storm damage; and federally declared qualified disasters such as flooding. To donate, visit nysut.org/disasterrelief. NYSUT assumes 100 percent of the administrative costs associated with the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund.