More than $273,000 was donated by about 2,300 San Diegans to the American Red Cross to help rebuild Haiti since an earthquake devastated the Caribbean country one year ago today.
Donations from area residents ranged from as little as $1 to as much as $16,000, according to the relief organization.
"People in San Diego and across the country responded quickly to help Haiti, and these donations have made a real difference in the lives of Haitians," said Joe Craver, chief executive officer of American Red Cross' San Diego-Imperial Counties Chapter.
The American Red Cross raised $479 million for Haiti relief and recovery efforts, a little more than half of which has been spent, or is planned for spending with signed agreements, according to a report compiled by the national organization.
About 30 percent was spent on emergency shelter, 26 percent on food and emergency services, 15 percent on clean water and sanitation, and 13 percent on health and disease prevention.
The remaining money will go to longer-term recovery efforts over several years, and responding to unforeseen events like the recent epidemic of cholera among Haitians. The agency hopes to spend $100 million on building permanent housing and community development for Haitians.
