—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
JAMAICA, New York (January 27, 2010) – In a statement issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) commended the quick and robust response of American Muslims in their effort to aid the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
“We commend these efforts by American Muslim organizations to embody the true spirit of Islam by reaching out to those in need, irrespective of color or creed,” said ICNA President, Dr. Zahid Bukhari.
ICNA supports the efforts of Helping Hand USA in particular which has been on the ground, working alongside other agencies in Haiti since Port-au-Prince and other cities first became accessible. Helping Hand USA appealed for $1.5 million within hours of the earthquake. Their team of doctors and other volunteers is currently busy running an emergency medical camp and distributing food, water, medicine and supplies to those affected.
“We have set up our medical base camp with medicine and doctors. Even though we have more doctors and relief efforts are getting more organized, we are still working in emergency mode,” said Irfan Khurshid, Helping Hand USA Director of International Programs, who is coordinating relief efforts from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
On Saturday January 30, 2010, Helping Hand USA is organizing the first LIVE Haiti Telethon to appeal for funds to Muslims around the world. The telethon will be broadcast worldwide on ARY TV with a simultaneous webcast on www.hhrd.org from 12:00pm to 5:00pm (US Eastern Standard Time).
