Weave life with relief to help the people of Haiti

Like everyone else, I am nauseous over the tragedy that has unfolded in Haiti, by the death and destruction and sheer horror of the images broadcasting from Port au Prince and other parts of the country.

Here is what sinks my stomach to a dark pit: I cannot help but think about the 30,000-foot view that all of us who aren’t there have. We have access to reports, and television, and photographs, and social media, and Google Earth images of before and after. We know the world has mobilized. We know help is there, and is still coming. We know what is on the way.

But I imagine what it must be like, late at night, to lie in a park next to the remaining members of my family, smelling death and hearing moans and snores and conversations around me, and not having any way to find out that the world is out here, reaching out a hand, sending what we can to help.

There are so many who have no idea when or if help is coming.

Life is a fine balance of tragedy and joy, of death and living. Though Haiti has been on the minds and hearts of all those around me, the fact remains that we all still have to go to work, and there are parties to attend, and conversations to have about non-weighty matters. Life goes on out here in the rest of the world, no matter how unfair that may be.

So I encourage you to find ways to weave that life together with support of the people who need our help so much right now. All around the Bay Area, musicians and restaurateurs have begun holding fundraiser events in support of Haiti relief. On Monday, I’ll be stopping by Papalote, which will be donating 15 percent of their proceeds from sales at both stores to Haiti relief. Eater SF is compiling a running list of other local bars and restaurants that are making similar efforts. Support a local restaurant while supporting the people of Haiti? It’s a small thing, but it’s a way I can weave this into my daily life.

To my friends back in Iowa City, I encourage you to hit Devotay on Sunday during dinner. A portion of what you spend, whether it’s on the bacon-wrapped dates or any of the other fantastic menu items, will go to the American Red Cross in support of Haiti.

And, because the enjoyment of art, too, can be in service of the greater good, I must tell you about a fundraiser project put together by Lane Hartwell and Michael Biven, a Bay Area couple I’ve gotten to know via Twitter. They have released Onè Respe: A Photographic Benefit for the Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake. Featuring the donated work of photographers including renowned photojournalist Mary Ellen Mark, it’s a beautiful tribute to this devastated country. All proceeds from sale of the issue will go to the International Red Cross.

These things are small, but they are something. Whether you take action through these channels or another way, take action. Take action for those who have no idea whether help is coming or not.