On 12 January, 2010, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti. One year later, reconstruction continues and hundreds of thousands of people still live in tent camps. But contributions from SEB and other companies have made a difference. "Thanks to the support we were able to quickly implement massive life-saving efforts," says Gary Shaye, on-site manager for Save the Children in Haiti.
The earthquake caused massive destruction in the impoverished country. Between 200,000 and 300,000 people were killed and 1.3 million were left homeless. There was a massive need for aid and a few days after the disaster, SEB decided to contribute 1 million Swedish kronor to Save the Children's work. Additional funds were raised among SEB's customers and employees, leading to a total contribution of 1.5 million kronor.
On a visit to Sweden, Shaye said the support from SEB and other companies was very important.
"Thanks to the support, we were able to implement a massive effort to protect children, both in the acute emergency phase and in longer-term efforts to reunite them with their families and create conditions to provide for health care and education."
Watch the interview with Shaye on Save the Children’s work in Haiti.