UpNorthica

The buzz began last week, when a spokesperson for a relief organization in Haiti made this desperate plea in a New York Times article: “Tents, tents, tents [...] That’s the word we want to get out. We need tents.”

Some 100,00 tents, in fact, will be needed to shelter an estimated half million refugees.

It didn’t take long for people to act. Minnesota’s own Gear Junkie (Stephen Regenold) soon found himself being nominated by bloggers to organize a tent donation effort. Turns out, he discovered, there’s one in motion already; one that you and I can help with, too.

The American Alpine Club has already sent one shipment of tents, and has called for outdoor heroes like you and me to help with a second shipment. Most needed are family-sized tents (though I’m sure anything will help.) You can find details and a mailing address here.

With a shipping date of February 12, this means you’ll have just a little more time to clean up yours and straighten out the tent pegs — or better yet, pick up a brand new tent or three for someone who really needs them.