Poker Community Reaches Out To Haiti

As most folk know by now, unless they’ve been living under a rock or in a third world country, the small island of Haiti has been devastated by an earthquake with a 7.0 on the rector scale. With thousands upon thousands dead, and buildings laid out like an atomic bomb went off, they are needing all the support they can get.

It’s good to see that the United States and other Countries have pledged support by way of needed funds and goods, and I would not have expected anything less from my Government. Sadly it’s more than I can say about some of the religious nut job leaders like Pat Robertson, who in not so many words made the statement that the Haitian people had made a pact with the devil in the past and only got what they deserved…..

Some good news though is that the poker community has reached out to show full support for Haiti. DoylesRoom, FullTilt, PokerStars and many more of the online poker rooms are holding multiple charity tournaments and matching funds to send some support. Some of the poker affiliate forums members at places like the GPWA.org are scrambling as well to do what they can to help.

Another one of the most recognized names in the industry has shown his support and has made a challenge . BoDog founder Calvin Ayre sent out a personal message to the online gambling industry to help out in Haiti:

“It is a disaster in Haiti. I know they have had a tough go from Mother Nature recently, hurricanes and now this earth quake, I cannot help but be disgusted with the ruling elite that has driven this country down like this while, no doubt, filling their own pockets. That all said the innocents as always are paying a horrendous price for this elite thievery and I think the global online gaming community has a duty to do something.

I have asked my Foundation to send and GBP10,000 to UK based Oxfam (http://www.oxfam.org.uk) to help with Haitian relief efforts. But that’s not all…I also want to challenge the rest of this industry to also contribute to Oxfam to help out in Haiti…and my private foundation will match any proven payment to Oxfam by an online gaming person up to $1,000,000.

Let’s go guys….everyone making money has a duty to help.” Click here for the full story.

Folk, if you can spare a dime, please help the unfortunate people of Haiti. There are numerous organizations that make that an easy task to do. The American Red Cross does an excellent job too and are always among the first to be on the scene. You can reach their site by clicking here.

Or you can visit the new web site that two of our former U.S. Presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, have started over at http://www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.org/ and rest assured that your donation will be well spent as well.

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