Pakistan flood relief: How you can help

Dangling Feet, Kerala; Courtesy of Taylor Davidson on Flickr

It’s shocking: The floods in Pakistan are affecting more than six times the number of people affected by the Haiti earthquake. I’ve been looking for ways to give back to help Pakistan. Where to give, where to donate, where to direct people. I came across a few great lists and posts, especially one from The Women’s Conference blog.

There is a lot of dialogue about why more people haven’t stepped up to help the people of Pakistan, especially this article from the BBC, which points to everything from the media portrayal of Pakistan to threats of terrorism. But let’s be honest, people hurting need the help of those who have the ability to help. Those who are displaced have nothing. Think about what hardship they are experiencing and then please consider taking a moment to donate what you can or help spread the word.

The flooding – which has now affected 20 million people, 8 million of whom need urgent aid – washed away infrastructure and has destroyed much of the country’s farming industry, which employs almost half of the country’s workers.

Several ways to help the Pakistanis

Pakistan needs our help. Here are a few ways you can help:

• UNICEF: 6 million children have been affected by the floods. Help UNICEF provide them with water, food and medical services.

• Red Cross: Red Cross is on the ground, providing relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources to those in need.

• Save the Children: Save the Children is rushing essential supplies to children and their families.

• Oxfam: Oxfam is providing hygiene, household and clean-up kits to families in Pakistan.

Text your donation from your mobile phone

Here are two ways to donate via texting:

• Text “swat” to 50555 — this sends a $10 donation to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees that will go toward providing tents, food, clothing, and clean water. (Reply with “yes” to confirm the gift.)
• Text FLOODS to 864233 — this helps get relief directly to the children of Pakistan by sending a $10 donation to UNICEF.

Find more ways to contribute on Yahoo and also on Tonic.

Cross-posted from The Causemopolitan.Sloane Berrent is a cause-based marketing consultant who works with nonprofits and social cause organizations. See her business profile, contact Sloane or leave a comment.