Several Maine businesses have formed a coalition aimed at providing relief and rebuilding help to Haiti and other areas in crisis.
Organizers say the so-called "MaineLine" coalition was formed to help Maine businesses deliver quick and effective assistance to areas hit by earthquakes and other catastrophes. The businesses leading the effort include Preti Flaherty, Unum, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Reed & Reed, CD&M Communications and Mainebiz.
"The crisis in Haiti highlighted the need for an organized, strategic effort to help connect Maine businesses to catastrophe sites in order to make a direct, specific difference during the rebuilding phase of relief efforts." says Jonathan Piper of Preti Flaherty in a statement announcing the coalition. "MaineLine addresses this need and provides Maine businesses with the opportunity to target relief funds in desired sectors offering the greatest impact."
The group's first project is helping with relief and rebuilding efforts in Haiti, still reeling several weeks after a devastating earthquake. Organizers say MaineLine will first assess through international aid organizations what the most urgent needs are, then determine how Maine businesses can provide direct help.
Leading the on-site relief effort is Darcy Pierce, who is with Envoy, a Maine-based firm focused on connecting the business world with the developing world, organizers say. Pierce has provided ground assessment for several disasters, including the 2004 tsunami in Thailand.
Pierce's extensive international aid and relief experience spans five continents. He has been a first/early responder and provided on the ground assessment for multiple international disasters, including the 2004 tsunami in Thailand and the 2009 earthquake in Indonesia.
You can find more information about the coalition on the Web at www.maineline.org or by calling (207) 774-7528.
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