In light of the terrible tragedy which has struck our neighbors in Haiti, we have suspended our fun filled “Coffee Break” newsletter this month.

At this time I would like to take the opportunity to extend our condolences to all of our Haitian friends, translators, interpreters and colleagues.

Our headquarters are in South Florida and everyone in our office knows someone who has been directly impacted by the earthquake which devastated a large part of Haiti.

If anything positive can be said about this tragedy it is that countries around the world have paused their rhetoric, political differences and antagonisms to come together in aid of what one important newspaper called “The unluckiest country in the world”. It’s during times like these that humanity prevails over terrorism, religious differences and the self destructive nature of man in general. However, it is unfortunate that it takes a catastrophe where thousands were killed to prompt the awakening of our humanity and solidarity.

This disaster gives us the opportunity to see a world devoid of frontiers, flags and pompous national anthems. We are part of a species of many colors and forms. We all hurt, despair and hope in the same way. As linguists, our staff at Translators, Inc. speak across many cultures making us particularly sensitive to this universal truth.

We have listed some bona fide charitable organizations which are working to relieve the pain and misery unleashed in Haiti. Take a moment to consider a small donation as part of your personal response. You can text “Haiti” to 90999 and make your donation which will be billed to your cell phone. If you can’t make donation at this time, take a minute to think of a way in which you can reach out to those who desperately need your help. My condominium got together and donated 10 hours worth of cell phone minutes for our Haitian groundskeeper so he may call Haiti and update news on his family. Our project managers have pooled their resources and bought boxes of powdered milk. Where there is a will there is a way.

Finally, I would like to pay homage to an unsung hero and a casualty of this tragedy. Dr. Zilda Arns was a 75 year old mother of 5 born into a well to do Brazilian family who spent most of her life helping the poor and forgotten populations . Her work started in Brazil and was replicated around the world. She was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Peace. Unfortunately, she was fatally wounded during the earthquake in Haiti.

Here is her story: Dr. Zilda's Story

Thank you,

Gabriel O’Meara

Translators, Inc. President-CEO

1250 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd, Suite 902 Hallandale, FL 33009
E:info @translators.com • T:954.454.1242 • www.translators.com • Translators, Inc. © 2010

Countires coming together for relief