Quake survivors get warm welcome in cold Quebec

Since Haiti was struck by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake, Montrealers have reached deep into their pockets to help the victims. In an instant, millions of people lost what had taken a life to build. Up to 200,000 people lost their lives in the disaster, while more than 250,000 were injured. The government has put measures into place to bring Canadians home.

It is estimated that 6,000 Canadians were in Haiti when the tragedy occurred. When these people started to return to Canada, many of them arrived in Montreal.

They were aided by the Quebec division of the Canadian Red Cross and by Quebec’s civil security upon their arrival. Sun Youth appealed for warm clothing to apparel companies. New coats, boots, hats and scarves were needed, as well as socks and underwear.

Sun Youth established temporary quarters at the Wyndham Airport Hotel in Dorval, where the organization’s volunteers meet with the earthquake survivors to evaluate their immediate needs. People were given water and food as soon as they disembarked the plane.

Some quake survivors will be staying with friends or relatives, and some are in transit. More than 40 companies have offered or pledged their support to Sun Youth. The needs are growing every day and we continue to do our best to meet them.

Clothing companies wishing to make a donation can contact Stéphanie Rocheleau at 514-842-6822 for more information.

The organization is not making an appeal for used clothing at this time. We will advise you if the needs change.

Sun Youth helps those on their way to a new life in this country.

Most of them will need to start from scratch and our organization will be there to support them in this process.