A few weeks ago, when the 76ers came to D.C., I was lucky enough to meet a few of the players afterward. Of all of them, the conversation that stands out most was with Samuel Dalembert. Because two of my roommates in college were Haitian, just like Sam Dalembert.
6. Earthquake In Haiti: How You Can Help
And standing in the bowels of the MCI Center, he and I bonded over the joys of Haitian food, and laughed as I mumbled what little Creole I remembered from college. All in all, it was pretty awesome to be talking about Banan Peze and speaking Creole to an NBA player.
But today, that whole conversation feels so different. As the world begins to process the crushing losses suffered in Haiti, I can’t help feel for Dalembert, too.
Through his charity foundation, he’s been an agent of change in Haiti since entering the NBA. But now, as initial reports count the death toll in the hundreds of thousands, his impoverished nation needs him more than ever.
Even if that number proves exagerrated, we’re still talking about a human tragedy of historic proportions. And if you’re feeling numb, like most of us, it’s certainly understandable. But as we all try to make sense of this senseless tragedy, you can be sure that Dalembert will be a very active player in the relief efforts.
To donate to his charity foundation, click here. To donate to the Red Cross, click here. Or, to donate to Partners In Health, an organization dedicated to providing health care in Haiti and other underserved areas, click here.
And remember: in the absence of donations, prayer helps, too.
Dalembert has since pledged $100,000 of his own money to the relief efforts, and will match any donations put forth by the Philadelphia fans at tomorrow night’s Sixers-Kings game in Philly. He’s chosen to donate to Unicef, and if you’d like to do the same, please click here. If you’d like to donate to Doctors Without Borders—most of the hospitals in Haiti were destroyed—please click here.
Or you can simply text message “Haiti” to 90999, and a donation of $10 will be made to relief efforts.
Every little bit helps.
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