You are reading

Local Leaders to Host Vigil for Victims of Haiti Earthquake in Queens Village Tonight

A building in Haiti destroyed in Saturday’s earthquake (Photo: USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance)

Aug. 19, 2021 By Allie Griffin

Local leaders will host a vigil in Queens Village tonight for the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is hosting the vigil alongside Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP) and Assembly Member Clyde Vanel at 8 p.m. outside the nonprofit’s headquarters at 209-5 Jamaica Ave.

The vigil will remember the 2,000 people who were killed—as well as the thousands left homeless—by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Saturday, Aug. 14.

“From natural disasters to political turmoil, Haiti has been dealt blow after blow in recent years, but the resolve of the Haitian people and our Haitian American community is unmatched,” Richards said in a statement. “In the wake of this destructive earthquake, Queens stands ready to offer a helping hand to our Caribbean neighbors in their time of need.”

Elected officials, clergy members and community leaders will speak at the vigil, which is happening rain or shine.

“We are grateful for the well-wishes and support from all that have reached out,” said Vanel, who is a member of the National Haitian Elected Officials Network and child of Haitian immigrants. “The Haitian-American community is grateful for the outreach and support from the wider Queens community.”

Richards has also launched an earthquake donation drive for those in Haiti.

His office is accepting donations of bottled water, non-perishable food, personal care products, toiletries and feminine hygiene products at Queens Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens. Donations can be dropped off in a box located in the lobby next to the security desk through Sept. 22.

For those who wish to donate financially, donations can be made to four different organizations Ayiti Community Trust, Capracare HaitiHope for Haiti and Partners in Health. The organizations were recommended by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.

 The executive director of HAUP thanked New Yorkers for their support.

“My heartfelt gratitude to the friends and partners of the Haitian people who continue to reach out in so many big and small ways in support, empathy and collaboration,” Executive Director Elsie Saint Louis said.

“As much as it saddens me to see Haiti go through yet another disaster in the midst of its existing challenges, yet I, along with my Haitian brothers and sisters, remain evermore committed to a better and stronger Haiti for generations to come,” she added.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Unwind after hours at these cozy Queens cafes

Jul. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello

Forget the bars and crowded clubs — Queens is brimming with charming cafes that keep their doors open well past sunset, offering a perfect alternative for those who want to meet up for a late-night hangout without the alcohol. From authentic Yemeni coffee houses to bakeries with outdoor garden patios, check out these Queens cafes for your next late-night catch-up with friends, or for a cozy date night plan.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.