FEI SETS UP A FUND FOR HAITI

In response to the tragic earthquake, which rocked Haiti last month, the FEI is inviting the equestrian community to gather financial support. Funds collected will be sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) to assist both organisations in their efforts towards the rebuilding of the sports movement and local sports installations in Haiti once local conditions permit. If you wish to partake in this recovery effort, you may do so by sending your donation to the bank account below with the indication "Donation Fund for Haiti".

FEI President HRH Princess Haya, UN Messenger of Peace and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City (IHC), a global humanitarian and aid hub in Dubai, travelled to Port-au-Prince on 22 January 2010 to oversee a delivery of 90 metric tonnes of relief supplies for the Haitians, meet with Haitian and UN officials and raise awareness of the need for international aid.

The shipment was organised by the International Humanitarian City at the request of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and included 40 metric tonnes of canned food and high-energy biscuits, and another 50 metric tonnes of hospital tents, water sanitation equipment, prefabricated offices, and computer and telecommunications equipment.

In addition to WFP's cargo, the plane carried emergency supplies from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment.

Contributions are also being made by the National Federations. The Irish Jumping Team, consisting of Cameron Hanley, Dermott Lennon, Cian O'Connor and Billy Twomey, have donated EUR 4,000, their prize money from the Nations Cup held in Abu Dhabi on 5 February, to the humanitarian agency GOAL Ireland to aid the relief effort in Haiti.

The FEI appreciates all contributions and will report back on the use made of the funds.