Bermuda is known for its generosity in times of need and today people Islandwide will be collecting funds to help the people of Haiti after last week’s devastating earthquake.

Last night Senator Marc Bean said the Bermuda Government is prepared, at the appropriate time, to contribute financially to the relief effort through CARICOM’S disaster management arm CDEMA. He added that the Government had not yet determined the amount it would be donating and that it would be based on the ongoing assessments of CDEMA.

“In addition, the Bermuda Government will be, over the short term, assisting directly through the provision of logistical support in the form of airlift between CDEMA’s staging point — Jamaica, and Haiti,” he said.

The Royal Gazette understands that the aircraft has been donated by a private firm that wishes to remain anonymous. How you can help:

l Digicel Bermuda customers can donate $10 to the Haiti Relief Fund by texting a new code, 5152.

l Today Saltus students will be collecting money for the Red Cross at the Washington Mall.

l TN Tatem students will also be raising money at Warwick and Southampton grocery stores today.

l Red Cross buckets are waiting for donations at Aspen Re, Bella Coffee Shop, Brunswick Dental Services Ltd., Common Ground Coffee Shop, Conyers Dill & Pearman, Masterworks, Tucker’s Point Warwick Academy and XL Insurance.

l BermudaSalsa.Com is holding a dance-a-thon tonight at the Newstead Hotel.

They will be holding another dance-a-thon at The Reefs on Saturday evening and in Fairmont Southampton’s Jasmine lounge on Thursday evening before finishing the weeklong fund-raiser back at Newstead.

l Bermuda Library is holding a seniors tea event on February 10 at St. Paul’s Church Hall in Paget with all proceeds going to the Red Cross.

l Style Bermuda and Capital G will hold a new clothing drive and cash appeal on February 6.

l Donate money directly to the Bermuda Red Cross, via two bank accounts: Bank of Bermuda — 010-187417-011 or Bank of Butterfield — 20-006-060-663859-200. You may also send cheques via mail: Bermuda Red Cross, Haitian Earthquake Appeal Fund, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV03.

l Bermuda For Haiti group is to hold a meeting on Monday.

The group hopes persons willing to volunteer their time for next Wednesday’s Islandwide tag day to benefit Haiti, will attend. Representatives from Haiti Village Health, Feed My Lambs Ministry, Haitians in Bermuda and the African Diaspora Heritage Bermuda Foundation will announce a joint initiative and future fund-raising events.

It is expected the meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at City Hall though this may change. For more information email debbie_rigaud@yahoo.com

Already much has been raised on the Island. Here is a look at just some of the things people and businesses have done:

l Strands has donated $2,100 to the Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Appeal

l Staff at the Yellow Fin group of companies — Port O’Call, Bistro J, Pearl, Ten, Café Gio — are donating all cash tips for two weeks.

l Bermuda Bistro at the Beach held an all-you-can-eat ribs and curry chicken dinner for $19.95. Half the proceeds will be donated to Haitian relief.

l Dunkley’s Dairy donated the Red Cross donation buckets now spread across the Island. Artwork on the buckets was donated by Aardvark.

l HSBC Bank of Bermuda has included a Red Cross banner on its website to make it easier for customers to donate to the Red Cross.

l Butterfield Bank is paying for radio ads for both the Red Cross and Salvation Army to help promote their efforts.