Friday, January 22, 2010

Dutch Generosity|Nederland Helpt Haïti

A small (albeit rich) country absolutely at its best!
Thursday's radio and tv campaign for victims of the Haiti earthquake raised over €41m, an amount later doubled by the foreign affairs ministry, taking the total to €83m.

Aid minister Bert Koender said earlier in the day he would double the amount raised by viewers and listeners before midnight. 'It is fantastic to see how the Dutch are helping out the Haitians,' he was reported as saying by the Telegraaf.

Following criticism from some viewers that not all the money would end up helping the people of Haiti, Koenders said the government's audit office would monitor how the money was spent. The relief programme is being coordinated by an umbrella organisation of the main Dutch charities known as SHO.

Among the fund raising efforts which took place: Jonnie Boer, three-star chef at top restaurant De Librije in Zwolle raised €4,500 selling pea soup at the town's station. One passerby paid €150 for a bowl.



"Goedenavond, 'Nederland Helpt Haïti,' u spreekt met Prinses Margriet. Zegt u het maar!"


HRH Princess Margriet, Vice-Chair of the Dutch Red Cross was a member of the telephone team taking calls from people who wished to donate. She was asked by a tv presenter how she introduced herself on the phone tonight, she chuckled and replied: "By my name but that doesn't bring about a reaction."

So, including the government's contribution, 83.448.252 as a result - and money is still flowing in.

Video: Radio Nederland Wereldomroep
Photo: HRH Princess Margriet. ANP COPYRIGHT

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