By Tim Saunders on
The Haitian earthquake has hit a raw nerve with actor Ben Stiller – the 44-year-old visited the country last year with Save the Children and experienced the people firsthand.
“I went in July… and I was affected by the level of poverty there – before this happened,” he told Larry King. “The hotel we stayed in is gone. It’s levelled. I don’t know what’s happened to people.”
The actor – one of many celebrities urging their fans to donate to victims – is also pleased with Barack Obama's quick response and plans to assist with humanitarian efforts.
“I think it is also important to note that President Obama reacted very swiftly and decisively with – in terms of a relief effort,” he said. “And it is going to be a long-term relief effort. And it’s a very difficult time in terms of where we are domestically. We are fighting a war. And I think we have to get behind that.”
Stiller is also calling on his fans to donate to the Red Cross.
“You can just text Haiti to 90999, and that will be a direct $10 donation [to the Red Cross] off your phone bill.
"They have already raised about $1.7 million (£1.06 million) over the last 24 hours. It’s making a huge difference. Anybody I talk to says this is what they need right now… They need the cash."
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