 Appeals for humanitarian aid were issued by many aid organizations , the United Nations and president René Préval . Raymond Joseph , Haiti 's ambassador to the United States , and his nephew , singer <unk> Jean , who was called upon by Préval to become a " <unk> ambassador " for Haiti , also pleaded for aid and donations . <unk> and <unk> circulating after the earthquake across the internet and through social media helped to intensify the reaction of global engagement . 
