Diary 18 January
2010
The scenes on our
television screens over the last week make clear that Haiti needs
help and it needs it now.
The most pressing need
has been for international search and rescue teams – including
firefighters from all over Britain - to get on with their work of
saving lives. They
have done a great job.
But at the same time
there is an overwhelming requirement for food, water, sanitation,
shelter and medicine among the people who have been made
homeless.
That is why I welcome the
announcement by International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander that the
Government is
providing $10 million to help kickstart humanitarian relief in
Haiti.
It is also at
times like these that I am always so impressed by the generosity of
people across Britain. I would strongly encourage people in
Redditch to support the appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee
for UK charities who will be undertaking life-saving work in Haiti
– you can make a donation by calling 0370 60 60 900 or
visiting www.dec.org.uk.
Congratulations to the two Redditch
women honoured by the Queen in the New Year’s Honours. Janice Stevens has been honoured
for her services to nursing and is nationally recognised for her
work. Maureen Muckle
has led the Batchley Support Group and the governors of Batchley
First School for many years. If you’ve had the chance to go
to one of the events like Cool by the Pool organised by the Support
Group, you can see the energy and enthusiasm of the local
community.
Maureen has played a key part in generating this! Well done to both for very well
deserved honours.
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