The worldwide telethon, “Hope for Haiti” was a successful event which accumulated 83 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. More than $61 million in donations have been raised setting a new record for donations through a disaster telethon relief.
Some might have taken a break from Haiti’s earthquake disaster basking in the positive feedback that was received from the telethon, but not Wyclef Jean. After performing “Rivers of Babylon” and “Yele” as well as helping in the organization of the worldwide telethon, Jean got on a plane and went back to Haiti to continue his dedication in helping his people of Haiti. “So da day after the telethon I have been on the ground in Haiti. We provided cooked meals n water trucks from morn til night! I am blessed,” tweeted Jean on Monday, January 25.
Wyclef Jean recently filmed a new music video dedicated to Haiti called “Hold On,” which he recorded with Jamaican dancehall singer, Mavado. In his new song, Jean also gave a shout out to his friends, Jimmy O, FanFan, and Young Cliff who died from the earthquake in Haiti. In his lyrics, words of encouragement are the main focus to the people of Haiti and people around the world. In the beginning of his video, Jean encourages people to donate by texting “Yele” to 501501. “The mission will not be easy but we will all take Haiti into the 21 century,” said Jean.
Though the worldwide benefit telethon was a successful and positive event, it was only the beginning. “Even with the outpour from around the world the people of Haiti will need aid for years to come,” quote Jean on his Yele organization website.
Written by Francesca Cange
