Arcade Fire Join Haiti Appeal

Canadian group Arcade Fire have urged fans to donate money to charities attempting to aid earthquake stricken Haiti.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean. Founded after a slave revolt, its fragile economy is matched by a unique culture that retains elements of its African forebears while meeting the West.

However on Tuesday (January 12th) the island was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the richter scale. The enormous devastation caused by the quake has shocked the world, with aid agencies rushing to the island.

Amongst the shocked viewers of the increasingly distressing scenes from Haiti are Arcade Fire. The Canadian band are currently working on their third full length album, but have take time out to express their sorrow at the recent events.

In a message to fans Arcade Fire members Win Butler and Regine Chassagne asked for donations to be made to Partners In Health, a non-profit corporation operating in the country.

"Friends, Haiti needs your help in her darkest hour. We just got off the phone with our friends at Partners In Health. Most of the medical infrastructure in Port-au-Prince is down. Since Partners In Health's clinics are situated in the surrounding areas and haven't been damaged, they are mobilising their resources towards the capital, setting-up field hospitals to treat the injured on the ground."

Continuing, the Arcade Fire members argued that Partners For Health were among the charities best placed to help those affected by recent events.

"Also, Paul Farmer (the founder of Partners In Health) is at the UN and has access to the best information on where to direct the money…so for the moment if you want to help, we suggest sending funds to Partners In Health. Please be generous as time is of the essence."

Arcade Fire have close links to the island. Chassagne's family emigrated from Haiti before shoe was born, but the band touched upon the musician's heritage with the track 'Haiti' on full length debut album 'Funeral'.