"MapAction has deployed to Haiti, AGI makes donation"

"AGI has made a £1000 cash donation to MapAction.

Who are MapAction?

In a humanitarian crisis, relief agencies need rapid answers to questions about 'where'. Where are the greatest needs? Where are the gaps that need to be filled?

MapAction (www.mapaction.org) works 'on-the-ground' in disaster zones providing frequently updated situation maps using the latest technology showing where relief help is most urgently needed. This output is vital for fellow relief agencies and emergency services. MapAction are the only non-governmental organisation (NGO) with a substantial track record in field mapping for disaster emergencies. Since 2004 MapAction have helped in 20 emergencies including the Asian tsunami, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and tropical storms. They can deploy a fully trained and equipped mapping team anywhere in the world, often within a few hours of an alert, 365 days per year.

MapAction in Haiti

A MapAction team left the UK the day after the earthquake struck and is working in Port-au-Prince to support relief coordination. Their maps have been crucial during the search and rescue phase on the ground. They are now creating a shared operational picture for relief deliveries.

The AGI donation

Following a rapid unanimous vote of approval from AGI Council, MapAction was contacted and the cash donation made towards their outstanding work.

'We all may be personally donating money to the relief efforts of the many Agencies now in Haiti, but MapAction is a clear case of volunteer GIS professionals - our fellow professionals - deploying in the field to undertake disaster relief work. AGI is both grateful to MapAction and pleased to offer some financial contribution to their work. AGI now requests that our members make contributions to this important charity that helps in humanitarian crises throughout the world', said Chris Holcroft, AGI Director & CEO.

To donate online NOW - click here: http://www.mapaction.org/support.html