Since the 60’s, Cuban-origin cigars sold in America have been produced from tobacco plants grown all over the world, including parts of the U.S., Belgium, Indonesia, and Honduras. Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, another major source of tobacco leaf for many U.S. cigars, and more than any other country, they can understand how catastrophic the recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake has been their neighbors to the west.

“. . .after the apocalyptic devastation and death inflicted on Haiti by the quake, the historical mistrust [between Haiti and the Dominican Republic] has given way among many Dominicans – both on the island and in New York – to an overwhelming sense of pained solidarity,” writes The New York Daily News.

“The most effective way for Americans to help the people of Haiti is to contribute money,” President George W. Bush said when it was announced he would team with President Bill Clinton to form the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund. According to their website, 99% of the fund’s donations will go directly to relief efforts in Haiti. The American Red Cross, Oxfam, and Doctors Without Borders are other organizations providing aid to Haiti. If you wish to donate, click here for a comprehensive list of charitable organizations working to help Haiti recover.