January 14, 2010 17:03

Arcade Fire encourage fans to donate to Haiti earthquake appeal

Regine Chassagne's family emigrated to Canada from Haiti

Photo Gallery: Arcade Fire
Photo: Phil Wallis

Arcade Fire's Win Butler and Regine Chassagne have posted a message on the band's official website asking for fans to donate to the Haiti earthquake appeal.

Tens of thousands of people are feared dead with many more injured following Tuesday's (January 12) 7.0 quake.

Butler and Chassagne ask that donations be made to Partners In Health, a non-profit corporation operating in the country.

The message reads: "Friends, Haiti needs your help in her darkest hour. We just got off the phone with our friends at Partners In Health. Most of the medical infrastructure in Port-au-Prince is down. Since Partners In Health's clinics are situated in the surrounding areas and haven't been damaged, they are mobilising their resources towards the capital, setting-up field hospitals to treat the injured on the ground.

"Also, Paul Farmer (the founder of Partners In Health) is at the UN and has access to the best information on where to direct the money…so for the moment if you want to help, we suggest sending funds to Partners In Health. Please be generous as time is of the essence."

Chassagne's family emigrated from Haiti before she was born, but Arcade Fire touched upon her heritage and allegiance with the country in their song 'Haiti', which appears on their full-length debut album 'Funeral'.

Coldplay's Chris Martin and Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis have both also urged people to donate to help Haiti.