CAFAC Support in Haiti

Thank you to everyone who has emailed or called the CAFAC office.  Your compassion and concern for the Haitian people has been overwhelming at times.   As you might expect, communications with Haiti have been very difficult.  We are thankful that we have had confirmation that children and personnel we work with have some minor injuries, but are alive.  Our adoptions coordinator, Joan Garbutt has been constantly updating all our families with any new details we receive.

Our best advice at this time

• For those who have had a referral, please do not travel expecting you will be able to bring your child home.  Although the US has indicated they have expedited visas for children, their adoption process is much different than Canada.  Canadian Foreign Affairs offices will be doing all they can to assist adopted children to be united with their adoptive families as soon as possible.
• We will not be in a position to answer many questions regarding adoption paperwork that is in process right now because of poor communication lines and the emergency status of the country.
• Any one inquiring about starting a Haitian adoption should be advised that until such time as the Haitian authority has had time to assess the situation appropriately they will not be able to advise when or if an adoption program will continue.

The priorities for the Haitian people at this
time are food, water and shelter!

The best way to help with this is financially.  For those who wish to donate and receive a Canadian charitable receipt there are a couple of ways to do this:

• The Canadian Red Cross will have any donation matched by the Canadian Government on a 1 to 1 basis.  You can reach them via their website at www.redcross.ca or call toll free 1-800-418-1111. Donations can be done by phone or internet(online)

• If you wish donate to Foyer de Sion-the orphanage we are most connected with at this time, you can donate through Canadian Humanitarian: www.canadianhumanitarian.com

• Shelter Box-www.shelterbox.ca-a unique way to donate. Sustaining families with shelter, blankets, ground covers, tools, water containers, stove etc.  Very unique and incredibly helpful.  Check out their website or call toll free 1-800-677-0990 to donate.  Taxable receipts are available.