World Gospel Mission Society appeals for aid

Maurice McIlroy has been working with the Lurgan branch of the WGM, which is appealing for donations for the relief effort.

The charity runs a radio station, church and school in Haiti and has pledged all the money donated will go directly to help the people there.

Individuals and church groups throughout the Larne area are encouraged for donations to help with vital aid relief on the ground.

Tommy Anderson, who runs the charity’s office in Lurgan, said they had accounted for their staff in the country, who they are all nationals. The charity's base in Haiti is outside the capital in Cote Plage.

He said the radio station – Radio Lumiere – had been knocked off the air for a brief time by the earthquake but as of Monday was back broadcasting. The school was also unaffected, while the church had sustained some cracking but no major structural damage. However, with the fear of aftershocks, worshippers held open-air services on Sunday.

He said: “The school building appears to be okay and it's one of the few schools still standing.

“Our people in Haiti tell us tent cities have sprung up everywhere, wherever there is an open plot of ground. We're trying to get food, water, medical aid and tents into Haiti and all donations will be gratefully received.”

He said the society is a registered charity – no 274142 – and money given would go in total to the relief effort.

Donations from individuals and churches can be made to the society's office at “Bethel”, 7 Beechfield Manor, Lurgan, BT66 7GR.

Anyone interested in finding out more details can contact Tommy on 3832.8197 or email [email protected]

Maurice McIlroy,meanwhile, can be contacted on 07831 807777. For a daily update log on to www.wgm.org/haitiquake