“Fundraiser. All profits to Haiti.” My husband put out the sign and sold his paintings. Over the past three weeks since the earthquake devastated Haiti, I’ve heard of many more people in nearby communities taking similar actions to send money, via registered charities, to help the shocked and suffering people of Port au Prince. Nurses donated their pay from a shift, for Haiti. Hairdressers snipped and styled, and a photographer shot portraits, for Haiti. Musicians, from a rock band to opera singers, threw benefit performances, for Haiti. A restaurant donated all proceeds from drinks, for Haiti. A neighbourhood held a garage sale, massagers massaged, and a burlesque dancer did whatever burlesque dancers do, all for Haiti.
Why such an outpouring of concern? What makes people act to help others in need at such a moment, when the victims’ absolute poverty might not, at another moment, even penetrate their awareness? This phenomenon has been well documented — that a disaster, with its horrifying images and poignant human stories, can reach people and trigger their desire to help. Equally well documented is the media fatigue that sets in when the disaster passes and many people, feeling they have done their bit, begin to forget even while immense need remains.
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