Hampton Roads nonprofit, restaurant chain raising funds, collecting supplies for Haiti disaster relief

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Local nonprofit Christians United for Haiti and restaurant chain MP Island Café are partnering together to raise funds and relief supplies for Haiti’s earthquake survivors.

More than 2,000 people were killed in the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on August 15.

Now the country is working to rebuild.

Christians United for Haiti and MP Island Café are asking the Hampton Roads community to support relief efforts by donating relief items or contributing financially.

“This is a very needed time for the Haiti earthquake,” said MP Island Café owner Jacqueline Palmer. “I really feel bad for them and we have truly been blessed as a business, so this is a way of us giving back to Haiti and thanking God for the blessings he’s given us.”

“Moments like this, with the earthquake, when it happens, we jump and we go and help,” said Calherbe Monel, who is the founder and director of Christians United for Haiti. “Now we have an earthquake, people have to quickly get the tarps, get the generator, get the tent, then get the medial help. After that, they’ve gotta rebuild.”

He says it’s his mission to jump in and help when things like this happen.

“You’re looking at this whole, long-haul process that we’re in right now. This is just the beginning, unfortunately,” said Monel.

Monel is from Haiti and did similar relief work when the 2010 earthquake hit.

“The best I can do right now for the rest of my life, besides supporting my family, is supporting those in need in Haiti,” said Monel. “Give back, the little ones who don’t have a way out of poverty and misery and now a disaster, bring them food, bring them some form of shelter, hopefully will make a difference in their lives.”

For a full list of items they are looking to receive, click here. Those wishing to donate money can do so via GoFundMe or Zelle. Their goal is to raise $10,000.

Items can be dropped off at MP Island Café at 6109 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk or 5583 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth.

You can learn more about Christians United for Haiti and updates on their relief efforts by following them on Facebook.