Aaron’s, a specialty retailer of residential and office furniture, consumer relations, home appliances and accessories, announced Friday that it will donate two solar-powered electric systems to the Haitian relief effort through its charitable arm, Aaron’s Community Outreach Program.
While most of ACORP’s charitable outreach extends to nonprofit organizations in the United States, the need for donations to the struggling Haitian infrastructure outweighs most domestic obligations to many at the moment.
The solar units are strong enough to power two full medical centers and 34 treatment centers. The sudden absence of power has created severe limitations on the capabilities of medical professionals in the nation.
"American companies and individuals have offered support to Haiti on a massive scale, and Aaron’s is proud to be a part of that effort," said
Ken Butler, COO of Aaron’s. "However, it was important that Aaron’s not just write a check, but give in a way that would create immediate impact. With these generators, thousands will receive critical medical treatment that we hope will make a life-saving difference for many Haitians."
Aaron’s is working in conjunction with Sundance Solar Designs to provide the generator. Sundance will travel to Haiti to ensure proper installation.
The Baltimore Sun reported Wednesday that the American public has donated more than $644 million to the nation. Following other major disasters, such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, large donations came in several months following the events. The Sun reported that Katrina donations totaled near $5 billion just from public donations.
"We don’t know if people’s giving patterns have changed," Randy Strash, a director for relief group World Vision, told the news provider. "If there’s just an online giving burst that dries up – and corporations and foundations are reluctant to commit because of the recession – that’s going to hurt reconstruction."