The Surinamese Red Cross is pleased with the response to a national appeal for Haiti.

By the end of a combined radio and television appeal on Wednesday evening, 260,000 euros had been raised. People from all walks of life and businesses joined in the Help Haiti appeal. Well-known artists auctioned their work and young people sent text messages, each raising a dollar.

In the Netherlands, a similar appeal is underway today, and various benefit events are being held up and down the country.

Photo: Red Cross in Haiti - Flickr/dieguchi