Following last January’s killer earthquake in Haiti, the people of Western New York again proved that when disaster strikes, whether at home or abroad, they are more than willing to respond with financial support.

A special collection in the Diocese of Buffalo right after the quake resulted in a contribution of $676,643.02 according to Catholic Relief Services which has coordinated the Catholic Church’s humanitarian response in Haiti. Another $246,526.25 was received from other groups and individuals within the eight counties of Western New York. The total contribution from the region was $923,169.27

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec applauded the generous response. “A portion of this relief collection is being used to rebuild parish communities and church structures that were heavily damaged or destroyed by the earthquake,” he said. “I am so grateful to the people of our diocese who once again have put the needs of others first.”

In the months following the quake, CRS has distributed food and water to hundreds of thousands of people, while providing emergency shelter and medical care to many thousands more.

In a letter of thanks to Bishop Kmiec, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of New York and chairman of the board of CRS, said, “We will continue to call for your prayers and support as our brothers and sisters in Haiti recover from the devastating earthquake.”

To make a contribution to Haiti earthquake relief visit www.crs.org.