Minn. CEO's idea brings fast response for earthquake victims in Haiti

MINNEAPOLIS - "You can't have kids go hungry in the world," local businessman Ashish Gadnis said.

The CEO of Twin Cities-based Forward Hindsight says he broke down watching television coverage of the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake last week. He says he knew he had to help.

"These kids were dying of hunger. I have to do something," Gadnis continued.

He quickly came up with a project called "Million for Haiti". The goal of the effort is to bring one million packages of basic supplies to Haitians in need.   The response from individuals and businesses has been as quick as the project's development. Memorial Blood Centers provided drop off locations and helped with logistics and by Sunday an airport hanger was full of bottled water, granola bars, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Sunday afternoon, hundreds of volunteers spent the afternoon sorting the donations into individual packets.

"It was amazing," Gadnis said of the work done by 200 volunteers to separate the donations.

Gadnis is now working to get the supplies from Minneapolis to Miami. From there it will be donated to an organization called Worldwide Village, which has operations in Haiti.

Million for Haiti is not accepting any more donations at this time. However, Memorial Blood Centers is always in need of blood donations. You can make a donation now in honor the Haitian people and the workers helping with the earthquake recovery.

For more information on Memorial Blood Centers call 888-GIVE BLD or visit: http://www.memorialbloodcenters.org/MBC/DesktopDefault.aspx.

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