several Questions and a few Answers

There were many developments today so I'll jump right in and try to answer the questions I received:

• What would be the best way to make these donations? We are organizing a collection and are trying to formulate the best list of items and resources to donate. At this immediate time, WorldVision has informed me that monetary donations are the best way to support the relief efforts. Everyone wants to help in some way, and we will be posting soon what form that can take. For now, here is an edited list of what we will be collecting (I had input from World Vision)
  LIST OF SUPPLIES BEING COLLECTED:
  Clothing - only new, unused (separate into man, woman, child, baby)
  Shelter (tarps, tents, water purification tablets + filters, towels, sheets, baby diapers)
  Building supplies (hammers, nails, screws, screwdrivers, Saws, Shovels, any other basic tools, non-power tools)
  Power (candles, flashlights, batteries, matches)
  First Aid (aspirin, bandages, iodine, gauze, anti-bacterial soap)
  Hospital equipment (mattresses, crutches, IV poles)
  
  Bring your donation, if you can, in a 'Rubber Maid' type storage bin instead of boxes, these can be used to transport the materials in an organized way, and then re-purposed as water storage containers, wash bins, baby baths, etc, and are easier to stack. Or Just donate some bins!
  
  

• I don't get it though, who is Lulu? We are all Lulu, those in need and those giving help. The lotus produces a beautiful flower even with its roots in the dirtiest water. The symbolism is that a person can rise above being rooted in the ugliness and suffering of this world, and should try to be pure and help others with the beauty of the spirit. (from WikiAnswers)
  
• When will the container be sent and where will it be stored? We will temporairly store the donated goods in the generously offered warehouse of RWHN, we will collect and deliver goods probably once a week to the warehouse in Coquitlam. The container logistics are being coordinated by RWHN and we will ship the goods once we have enough to fill either a 20 ft or 40' container.
  
• Who's going to organize all this stuff? RWHN has volunteers at their warehouse who will sort and organize the donations on Wednesdays, but it will be helpful if you bring your donations already organized as recommended on the REVISED list below.
  
• I know a lot of companies out there are willing to help and donate, as long as she's (Lulu) affiliated with a reputable organization. Companies we'd like donations from include bottled water companies, to donate pallettes of bottled water, medical supply companies, hospitals or clinics who have surplus or used medical equipment (see list below), retailers who sell any of the items on the list and want to donate them to the drive...
• Reputable Organizations: Lulu's Lotus is just an idea with funding and support for it. We are working with RWHN to use their resources in organizing this effort. Rotary World Help Network has shipped over 200 containers around the world and utilizes the network of Rotarians Internationally to help people who are victims of disaster. Their logistical support will be the key to making this happen. An anonomous donor has unconditionally agreed to sponsor the cost of sending this container, it's up to Lulu to rally support of the community and gather the supplies so desperately needed.
• How do you know that the tems on the list are really needed? This list is evolving with valuable input from people who have assisted in relief efforts. Clothing is off the list because of the added cost of fumigation when sending used clothing out of the country. Because we expect the container to arrive in a month's time, items that will still be needed are included on the list, there will still be many hazards encountered during clean-up and basic first aid supplies cannot be picked up at the local drug store in Port au Prince.

I am grateful to everyone who is already helping this effort become a reality. Thank you for spreading the word, and keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.

We need to be smart about specifically what to collect, so that maximum humanitarian relief is achieved because Haiti has had its HOSPITALS DESTROYED and has NO POWER. Therefore, please donate what you can in the following categories.

DO NOT BRING USED CLOTHING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE PLEASE. If we do receive used clothing and decide not to send it due to fumigation costs, then we will donate it to a local charity, but please do not donate used clothing at this time.

We will accept anything you can provide, but we feel these categories are most important now. Please TRY and make sure that your donation is placed in BOXES or STURDY PLASTIC BAGS. If you can, please MARK your box/bag indicating WHAT'S INSIDE.

THANK YOU