Tents Needed for Haiti Relief

Mark Richey, a past president of the AAC, is helping to organize a collection drive for tents and sleeping bags to send to Haiti to aid the hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions) of people left homeless by the recent earthquake. “Used tents, as long as they are functional, and sleeping bags are fine, and of course new tents and sleeping bags from any of our outdoor industry friends would be ideal,” Richey said. “Since the climate is hot, lightweight sleeping bags are preferable and larger, camping-style tents would be best, but anything will be used.”

Time is of the essence, so equipment should be sent no later than Friday, January 22, to:

Mark Richey Woodworking
40 Parker Street
Newburyport, MA  01950-4056

Richey’s employees and volunteers will check the gear and prepare it for shipment.

Former AAC vice president Jim Ansara and his wife, Karen, also are heavily involved in the Haiti relief effort. The Haiti Fund has been created by the Ansaras and the Boston Foundation to provide immediate relief as well as a long-term focus on reconstruction and human rights. Donations to the Haiti Fund will be matched dollar for dollar by the Ansara Family Fund, up to $1 million. To learn more or make a donation, visit the Haiti Fund web page.

Source: The American Alpine Club Web Site