Says Operation Saving Lives Making a Difference for Rebuilding Nation
TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak today presented a ceremonial resolution to Operation Saving Lives, a program created within the People’s Organization for Progress in response to the need for humanitarian aid in post-earthquake Haiti.
“Every day, Operation Saving Lives is making a difference in the lives of Haitians trying to pick up the pieces from the disastrous 2010 earthquake,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “This program has helped to support physicians on the ground in Haiti to treat the effects of dehydration due to water-borne illness or exposure to the elements. Operation Saving Lives is an example of how the people of New Jersey care about their neighbors around the world and do something about it.”
Senator Lesniak said that, as Haiti continues to recover from last year’s devastating earthquake, disease continues to be a serious problem for displaced people on the island nation. Operation Saving Lives – a volunteer program led by New Jersey residents Angenetta Robinson, Sandra Hayward, Abdul Hill and James Carey – has raised more than $15,000 for humanitarian assistance, and distributed more than one-hundred-fifty cases of oral rehydration salt (ORS) to Lamp for Haiti, Partners in Health, and the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad. ORS is often prescribed by doctors to help rehydrate patients dealing with extreme dehydration due to illness or exposure to the elements.
“There’s so many challenges to restoring Haiti, but rampant disease and dehydration are among the most serious,” said Senator Lesniak. “Operation Saving Lives is addressing the need and providing strategic support to the many physicians volunteering their time and energy in Haiti. They’ve done a fantastic job in raising funds and resources to combat disease and dehydration, and they’ve done New Jersey proud.”
Senator Lesniak noted that, at a time when the United States is dealing with the after-effects of a recession, donations to charitable causes have been sparse, but encouraged anyone who can to donate to Operation Saving Lives and other organizations providing humanitarian aid to Haiti and other countries in the world rebuilding after natural disasters.
“As New Jersey residents – and people across the country – continue to deal with the effects of a global recession, we should take stock of the many blessings we’ve had, and give something back,” said Senator Lesniak. “In these tough times, every little bit we can donate to humanitarian efforts – whether for Haiti, for Japan or for elsewhere – will go a long way. I encourage my fellow New Jerseyans to give what they can and continue to show that New Jersey cares for those in need.”
The resolution was presented on the floor of the State Senate, followed by a photo opportunity with the group, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Senator Lesniak.