PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: United Sikhs' second volunteer team arrived at Port-au-Prince yesterday and started serving langar to survivors of the earthquake. Harcharan Singh and Amritpaul Singh, both from Brampton, Canada, arrived earlier this week to join the ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.
The volunteers purchased food, water and supplies in two 20 feet trucks before heading to the United Sikhs Aid camp in Haiti. Despite the immensely difficult travel, the volunteers did not rest until they had prepared and served hot meals to about 500 survivors.
"After seeing the magnitude of disaster I forgot all my pain. Here, everyone needs help. Countless survivors with serious injuries are hungry and waiting for food. I could not think of anything else but to cook hot meals and serve them," said Amritpaul Singh, United Sikhs Aid volunteer.
"We believe it's a clear sign of progress when we see the quantity of supplies that relief agencies are pouring in. I am thankful to United Sikhs for serving hot-meals to our people. It is a noble cause," said a member of the interior ministry of Haiti in a meeting with Lt Col Gurbachan Singh. Earlier this week, the United Nations appealed to NGOs on the ground for immediate medical supplies. The United Sikhs medical team will be transporting the supplies we are able to collect.
Recovery would be faster if there were more ways to get aid into the country, including the reopening of the city's seaport. However, United Sikhs is sending food and emergency supplies from Miami using all possible means of air and sea routes, in addition to ground transport from other regions.
Four more volunteers of United Sikhs Aid team are flying in for the relief effort today. Our second medical team will also reach there soon to provide additional medical assistance.
United Sikhs thank all donors, individuals, Gurdwaras, and volunteers who have been supporting us on the relief effort.