The 2010 earthquake was the worst to hit Haiti in over 200 years. Hollywood celebrities did what they do best. 'The Hope for Haiti Now' telethon shattered previous records for donations

One of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, Haiti has struggled with political upheaval, bloody coups, and abject poverty throughout much of its history. Deforestation and over-farming have left much of Haiti’s farmlands destroyed by erosion causing rampant inflation and food rioting.

In late 2008, the unstable country was hit by Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike and Tropical Storm Fay all within a one month period resulting in over $900 million in damages. Perhaps the most devastating event was the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. The earthquake pretty much destroyed the tiny country. There are towns with no buildings left standing and no survivors. Early estimates put the death toll between 150,000 – 200,000 and the count is growing everyday. Millions of people are homeless or reported missing and there are hundreds of thousands of newly orphaned children living on the streets.

Haiti - after the quake

The greater part of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince is in ruins, and thousands of people (presumed dead) are still trapped in the rubble of collapsed office buildings, hospitals, and schools. Haitian children attend school in the afternoon, so when the earthquake struck at 4:53 p.m. on a Tuesday the schools were packed. First responders are giving reports of makeshift operating rooms using vodka to clean wounds and hacksaws to amputate limbs. Clinics are reporting an increase in infections and communicable diseases due to the lack of sanitation, antibiotics, or quality medical care.

Haiti's prime minister estimates that his country would need the world's help for a decade if it was to ever recover. But despite massive relief efforts led by Canada and the US, many Haitians are still waiting for aid to be distributed two weeks later. Relief agencies struggle to fill the need for food, water and shelter to protect families from the burning tropical sun. An international relief group supplying tents to the survivors said they had 10,000 stored in Haiti and at least 30,000 more would be arriving soon. But it is not enough, the group estimates 100,000 family-sized tents are needed; the U.N. says more than 1 million people need shelter.

Haiti

International relief efforts have been impressive but the devastation created serious obstacles to those attempting to deliver supplies. Roads have been wiped out and communications between agencies is difficult to say the least. Relief groups are reporting that food, water and basic supplies are reaching more people everyday but the desperation is becoming evident.

Looting and violence is being observed in some of the more rural areas. U.N. peacekeepers had to fire pepper spray into the air to try to disperse the thousands of starving people fighting for the little bit of food being distributed. The overwhelmed soldiers eventually retreated, and young men rushed forward to grab the bags of pinto beans and rice, pushing aside others — including one pregnant woman who collapsed and was trampled.

George Clooney at the Hope for Haiti telethon

But, where there is devastation there can be hope. 'Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief' which aired simultaneously on several television networks and online brought world wide attention to a catastrophic event. The event was hosted by George Clooney and Wyclef Jean and included an army of celebrities available to answer phones and perform. The star-studded event shattered records for money donated by the public and raised more than $58 million for disaster relief.

The telethon was an A list celebrity event and included everyone from Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Bono, Jay-Z, Rihanna and Stevie Wonder who performed during the live event. Other celebrities who took to the phone banks include Jenna Elfman, Tobey Maguire, Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, Charlize Theron, Julia Roberts, Jason Bateman, Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Drew Barrymore, Mel Gibson and many more.

Celebrities who were not a part of the telethon are still doing their part. John Travolta flew his Boeing 707 to Haiti for the second time since the earthquake. The 55-year-old actor and pilot flew his private jet from Florida on Monday bringing four tons of military ready to eat meals and medical supplies for Haiti victims. Travolta was joined by his wife Kelly Preston, several doctors and Church of Scientology volunteer ministers.

Super reclusive band Radiohead raised more than $500,000 for Haiti earthquake relief at a special weekend concert that attracted celebrities and die-hard fans alike. The lucky attendees bid online for tickets, and all proceeds went to Oxfam International, a group that works with developing countries. The minimum bid was $475 and prices went as high as $4,000 for a pair of tickets. They also had volunteers from Oxfam selling posters and t-shirts and taking cash donations at the door.

Along with the attention that celebrities are bringing to Haiti they are also generously donating to the recovery and rebuilding efforts. Leonardo DiCaprio donated $1 million, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie donated $1 million, Gisele Bundchen donated $1.5 million, Madonna has donated $250,000, and everyone else from Lance Armstrong to Lady Gaga has either donated money or played benefit shows.

If you want to help the Haitian people, you still can. HealthWorldNet has an extensive list of charitable organizations that are helping with relief efforts.

Stacy Matson is a health enthusiast from Southern California and regularly blogs on Celebrity Health for A Healthier World, as well as contributing to the Best of the Best.