MIAMI – Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle will be traveling to Haiti at the beginning of November to oversee the distribution of millions of dollars worth of donations collected for its needy population.
Commissioner Rolle announced on October 20 that he had joined forces with Artists Village, Inc., a non-profit organization, to organize the distribution of $10 million worth of antibiotics for Haitians who need medical treatment after four storms ravaged the island this hurricane season.
Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle
The commissioner’s trip comes on the heels of the visits of several worldwide organizations to assess the aftermath, including World Bank President Robert Zoellick and United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes.
Zoellick recently announced earlier this month that the World Bank pledged $25 million in additional storm relief to rebuild infrastructure and expand programs to strengthen the island against natural disasters. Holmes stated there was an urgent need for food, clean water and sanitation, and shelters.
In addition, donations collected from the commissioner’s HELP FOR HAITI Relief Concert on September 27 have already been shipped to the island with assistance from Haiti Shipping Lines. More than 9,000 attendees contributed enough non-perishable food and clothing to fill two 40-foot shipping containers, and gave a total of $42,000. The Jackson Health Trust donated $25,000 worth of medical supplies, such as stethoscopes, gloves, gauze, and other items. Humanitarian group Food For The Poor has partnered with the commissioner to distribute supplies to Haitians in most need. Commissioner Rolle is also collaborating with Mayor Johnny Ford of Tuskegee, Alabama in organizing the distribution.
“Many of my constituents have strong ties to Haiti and were eager to do anything they could to help their families and friends living on the island,” said Commissioner Rolle. “The compassion I’ve witnessed is truly awe-inspiring. I look forward to traveling to Haiti to deliver the contributions and goodwill of Miami-Dade County’s residents.”
Commissioner Rolle plans to travel to Haiti to ensure donations are distributed evenly to people who are in dire need of support.
