In response to reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating sudden multiple deaths in Haiti’s Artibonite region, Food For The Poor has started to secure and ship critically needed supplies.
Areas receiving immediate aid from Food For The Poor include, Poirier, Desdunes, Dokozel, Villard and Petit Reviere.
Critical items being sent are:
1) Medicines, including antibiotics and oral rehydration salts. Oral vaccinations may be necessary if the disease is identified as cholera.
2) Water filtration units that purify up to 10,000 gallons of clean water a day. Five units are being deployed from the Food For The Poor Port-au-Prince distribution center. Emergency water packets also will be shipped.
3) Hygiene kits with soap, toothpaste and other personal care items to help prevent spread of disease. Some supplies are prepositioned in the Port-au-Prince distribution center and an additional 57 pallets are ready to ship from the Coconut Creek distribution center starting Friday.
4) Blankets.
5) Gatorade and Pedialyte.
Due to the relatively quiet hurricane season in the Caribbean, Food For The Poor’s pre-positioned emergency relief items such as blankets and hygiene kits are ready to go. Food For The Poor plans to airfreight donations of antibiotics, oral rehydration salts, oral vaccinations, Gatorade and Pedialyte.
“January’s earthquake displaced more than one million people,” said Robin Mahfood, Food For The Poor’s President/CEO. “People in Haiti desperately need our help. Today in Haiti, destitute families have no option other than to live in garbage-filled swamps, and drink contaminated water – the same water they and the wild animals use to bathe. We have been afraid of this since the earthquake. We are praying for the people of Haiti, and we ask that everyone do the same.”
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.
For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Fulton County 6-Year-Old Boy Sets Giving Pace for Atlanta Gala
With his hair neatly brushed, and his button-down shirt tucked-in, Will Merchant, 6, confidently entered the W. Atlanta – Buckhead hotel to deliver an original piece of his artwork and a $500 check to representatives of the international relief and development organization Food For The Poor.
Before the Atlanta gala started, Angel Aloma, Food For The Poor’s Executive Director, had not only an opportunity to speak to the bighearted boy, but also the privilege of receiving his thoughtful gifts. Later that evening, as Aloma addressed attendees, he beamed proudly as he shared Will’s message of spirit and love.
The youngster’s generosity warmed hearts and reaffirmed the importance of investing in children’s futures. Proceeds from this year’s annual Atlanta Food For The Poor event, New Hope, New Beginnings, will be used to build schools in Jamaica. As master of ceremonies, the Emmy Award Winner, Jovita Moore, from WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News, emphasized the importance of an education.
Funds raised at the event will be used to construct Mount Hindmost Basic School in Clarendon, Jamaica, and water and sanitation projects will replace dangerous pit-latrines at existing schools. Educational opportunities like safe facilities, and supplies, like folding desks and reading books, give impoverished families island-wide hope for the future.
Will was inspired to help victims of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake when he heard other children calling Atlanta’s 104.7 The Fish, to donate their allowance or do odd jobs to raise money for the cause. To meet his goal, Will sold his paintings to neighbors, friends and family members.
When asked why he decided to help those he had never met before, Will said, “God led me in my heart to do that.”
“We were so delighted to see Will take such a heartfelt interest in helping the earthquake victims,” said Beth Merchant, Will’s mom. “Our hope is that Will remembers how meaningful this experience has been for him and others around him. We can’t wait to see where his heart takes him next.”
The evening included live music by Lethal Rhythms, a silent auction, dancing, and a memorable dinner with friends prepared by principal sponsors W Atlanta - Buckhead and MARKET. Bidding on silent auction prizes such as exclusive art and collectibles from the Caribbean and Latin America, designer jewelry, vacations, golf and dining packages offered opportunities for guests to shop and donate to the cause. Aroma Ridge, Inc. rum cakes were distributed to event guests as they left the party.
“It feels so good to support an organization that is fiscally sound; more than 96 percent of all its donations go to programs that help the poor,” said Lynn Hanna, event committee member.
“In poor Jamaican communities, schools can offer children an oasis for learning,” said Nawal Shadeed, Event Chairwoman. “School for these children is essential. Through education, they can escape the poverty that surrounds them.”
“The time I spent on the event was enjoyable and well worth it,” said Sarah Overstreet, event committee member. “A society is judged by how well we treat the less fortunate among us.”
New Hope, New Beginnings committee members include Susie Hagley, Lynn Hanna, Sylvia McClure, Kathy Murphy, Sarah Overstreet, Dr. Jason Regis, Carolyn Shadeed, Arlene Smith, Margaret Stenglein, and Michelle Wattley.
Event sponsors included: American Nicaraguan Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company, The Pereira Family and Toca Enterprises, LTd.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Before the Atlanta gala started, Angel Aloma, Food For The Poor’s Executive Director, had not only an opportunity to speak to the bighearted boy, but also the privilege of receiving his thoughtful gifts. Later that evening, as Aloma addressed attendees, he beamed proudly as he shared Will’s message of spirit and love.The youngster’s generosity warmed hearts and reaffirmed the importance of investing in children’s futures. Proceeds from this year’s annual Atlanta Food For The Poor event, New Hope, New Beginnings, will be used to build schools in Jamaica. As master of ceremonies, the Emmy Award Winner, Jovita Moore, from WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News, emphasized the importance of an education.
Funds raised at the event will be used to construct Mount Hindmost Basic School in Clarendon, Jamaica, and water and sanitation projects will replace dangerous pit-latrines at existing schools. Educational opportunities like safe facilities, and supplies, like folding desks and reading books, give impoverished families island-wide hope for the future.
Will was inspired to help victims of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake when he heard other children calling Atlanta’s 104.7 The Fish, to donate their allowance or do odd jobs to raise money for the cause. To meet his goal, Will sold his paintings to neighbors, friends and family members.
When asked why he decided to help those he had never met before, Will said, “God led me in my heart to do that.”
“We were so delighted to see Will take such a heartfelt interest in helping the earthquake victims,” said Beth Merchant, Will’s mom. “Our hope is that Will remembers how meaningful this experience has been for him and others around him. We can’t wait to see where his heart takes him next.”
The evening included live music by Lethal Rhythms, a silent auction, dancing, and a memorable dinner with friends prepared by principal sponsors W Atlanta - Buckhead and MARKET. Bidding on silent auction prizes such as exclusive art and collectibles from the Caribbean and Latin America, designer jewelry, vacations, golf and dining packages offered opportunities for guests to shop and donate to the cause. Aroma Ridge, Inc. rum cakes were distributed to event guests as they left the party.
“It feels so good to support an organization that is fiscally sound; more than 96 percent of all its donations go to programs that help the poor,” said Lynn Hanna, event committee member.
“In poor Jamaican communities, schools can offer children an oasis for learning,” said Nawal Shadeed, Event Chairwoman. “School for these children is essential. Through education, they can escape the poverty that surrounds them.”
“The time I spent on the event was enjoyable and well worth it,” said Sarah Overstreet, event committee member. “A society is judged by how well we treat the less fortunate among us.”
New Hope, New Beginnings committee members include Susie Hagley, Lynn Hanna, Sylvia McClure, Kathy Murphy, Sarah Overstreet, Dr. Jason Regis, Carolyn Shadeed, Arlene Smith, Margaret Stenglein, and Michelle Wattley.
Event sponsors included: American Nicaraguan Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company, The Pereira Family and Toca Enterprises, LTd.
Food For The Poor, the third-largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Food For The Poor Offers ‘Live Prayer’ iPhone App
Have you ever needed the power of prayer? The first ever “Live Prayer” iPhone app is now available for download by texting “Prayer” to 69866 or by visiting Food For The Poor's Web site. The app, presented by Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the United States, is free.
Whether you are faced with a challenging day, grueling decision or have a blessing to celebrate, Food For The Poor’s “Live Prayer” iPhone app will connect you to a prayer partner within minutes. A team of prayer associates are standing by to pray with you in a secure, private, one-on-one phone call. To make a prayer request simply enter your name and phone number and you will receive a return call within five minutes.
“Food For The Poor’s ministry is a reflection of God’s unconditional love,” said Robin Mahfood, Food For The Poor’s President/CEO. “Through the prayers of Food For The Poor’s donors and recipients, we as a charity have grown and prospered during the past 28 years. It is our desire to support anyone in need of prayer.”
In addition to the “Live Prayer” functionality, users can also learn about Food For The Poor, make donations to the charity, and receive special news and event notifications. A weekly scripture and prayer is also accessible through the app.
Live prayer will be offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. EST, and on Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
The “Live Prayer” app was developed by Sourcebits, a software development company in Atlanta, and an Android “Live Prayer” app is currently under discussion. The apps donation pages are hosted by Convio, a leading provider of software solutions to the nonprofit sector, based in Austin, Texas.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Whether you are faced with a challenging day, grueling decision or have a blessing to celebrate, Food For The Poor’s “Live Prayer” iPhone app will connect you to a prayer partner within minutes. A team of prayer associates are standing by to pray with you in a secure, private, one-on-one phone call. To make a prayer request simply enter your name and phone number and you will receive a return call within five minutes.“Food For The Poor’s ministry is a reflection of God’s unconditional love,” said Robin Mahfood, Food For The Poor’s President/CEO. “Through the prayers of Food For The Poor’s donors and recipients, we as a charity have grown and prospered during the past 28 years. It is our desire to support anyone in need of prayer.”
In addition to the “Live Prayer” functionality, users can also learn about Food For The Poor, make donations to the charity, and receive special news and event notifications. A weekly scripture and prayer is also accessible through the app.
Live prayer will be offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. EST, and on Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
The “Live Prayer” app was developed by Sourcebits, a software development company in Atlanta, and an Android “Live Prayer” app is currently under discussion. The apps donation pages are hosted by Convio, a leading provider of software solutions to the nonprofit sector, based in Austin, Texas.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Nine Months After Earthquake: Rebuilding Lives
Food For The Poor has sent more than $155 million in aid to Haiti, since the 7.0 magnitude - earthquake devastated the country on Jan.12. The organization responded immediately and help has flowed continually from the largest international charity in the United States. That aid has come in many forms, and has transitioned over the weeks and months from emergency relief to relief/rebuilding actions.
The charity continues to accelerate homebuilding in the earthquake-ravaged country of Haiti, and has built 1,174 permanent two-room homes outside of Port-au-Prince.
More than 250 two-room homes are currently under construction.
Because the organization has been working in Haiti for more than 24 years, it was well-prepared to respond when the earthquake struck. Over the years, Food For The Poor has built almost 14,000 homes in Haiti.
Building schools
On Nov. 5, Food For The Poor will celebrate the opening of a school in Petit Goave, the first school the charity will have opened since the earthquake.
More than 100 students will benefit from the school. Several Palm Beach County Country Club managers raised the money to make this dream a reality and will travel there with Food For The Poor for the school’s inauguration.
The Haitian government estimates that more than 4,000 schools were destroyed during the earthquake. Food For The Poor is committed to rebuilding schools in Haiti, and has others under construction in Pierre Payen and Chastenoye.
Statement from President/CEO
“It is disturbing to me when I read that over a million people remain in tents in Haiti, nine months after the earthquake. We are committed to rebuilding Haiti and we are backing that up every day with new homes that promise hope and a future for those who already have suffered so much,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “We must help these people, and we must continue to find ways to help them faster. We need everyone’s help.”
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
The charity continues to accelerate homebuilding in the earthquake-ravaged country of Haiti, and has built 1,174 permanent two-room homes outside of Port-au-Prince. More than 250 two-room homes are currently under construction.
Because the organization has been working in Haiti for more than 24 years, it was well-prepared to respond when the earthquake struck. Over the years, Food For The Poor has built almost 14,000 homes in Haiti.
Building schools
On Nov. 5, Food For The Poor will celebrate the opening of a school in Petit Goave, the first school the charity will have opened since the earthquake.
More than 100 students will benefit from the school. Several Palm Beach County Country Club managers raised the money to make this dream a reality and will travel there with Food For The Poor for the school’s inauguration.
The Haitian government estimates that more than 4,000 schools were destroyed during the earthquake. Food For The Poor is committed to rebuilding schools in Haiti, and has others under construction in Pierre Payen and Chastenoye.
Statement from President/CEO
“It is disturbing to me when I read that over a million people remain in tents in Haiti, nine months after the earthquake. We are committed to rebuilding Haiti and we are backing that up every day with new homes that promise hope and a future for those who already have suffered so much,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “We must help these people, and we must continue to find ways to help them faster. We need everyone’s help.”
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Teen Preparing for Confirmation Helps to Feed Children in Haiti
Never underestimate the power of one; that is the lesson many in a New Jersey parish are learning from one of its young members.
Last fall, 13-year-old Samantha Tallard needed a community service project to complete a requirement for Confirmation. Like many around the world, the teen was moved by the devastation a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused in Haiti nearly nine months ago.
“I wanted to choose a project for community service that would make a difference for other people instead of putting in my hours for a lot of little projects,” said Tallard. “At the time when I needed to make my decision I heard about the earthquake in Haiti. I saw videos of what the children were going through and it made me feel really sad.”
So she decided to partner with Food For The Poor, which has been working in Haiti for more than 24 years.
Samantha organized a raffle to raise money for the children of Haiti. With her goal in mind, she went to retailers in her area – Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and even to the New Jersey Devils Hockey team – for donations.
Samantha received an iPod, 2 digital cameras, a number of gift cards, and even an autographed hockey stick for her raffle. Dr. Anthony Novembre, the Director of Religious Education, printed the raffle tickets which were sold for $1 each before the start of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine class.
The young girl quickly surpassed her original goal and set a new one. In the end, Samantha raised enough money to feed 300 children for a month in Haiti. She presented the check to Fr. Richard Nahman, who accepted the gift on behalf of Food For The Poor at St. Catherine of Siena in Farmingdale in September. The charity will use the money collected to fulfill Samantha’s desire to help Haiti.
“I had no idea when I raised this amount of money that I would be able to help so many people because that same amount wouldn’t buy nearly that much food in our country,” said Tallard.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org
Last fall, 13-year-old Samantha Tallard needed a community service project to complete a requirement for Confirmation. Like many around the world, the teen was moved by the devastation a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused in Haiti nearly nine months ago.“I wanted to choose a project for community service that would make a difference for other people instead of putting in my hours for a lot of little projects,” said Tallard. “At the time when I needed to make my decision I heard about the earthquake in Haiti. I saw videos of what the children were going through and it made me feel really sad.”
So she decided to partner with Food For The Poor, which has been working in Haiti for more than 24 years.
Samantha organized a raffle to raise money for the children of Haiti. With her goal in mind, she went to retailers in her area – Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and even to the New Jersey Devils Hockey team – for donations.
Samantha received an iPod, 2 digital cameras, a number of gift cards, and even an autographed hockey stick for her raffle. Dr. Anthony Novembre, the Director of Religious Education, printed the raffle tickets which were sold for $1 each before the start of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine class.
The young girl quickly surpassed her original goal and set a new one. In the end, Samantha raised enough money to feed 300 children for a month in Haiti. She presented the check to Fr. Richard Nahman, who accepted the gift on behalf of Food For The Poor at St. Catherine of Siena in Farmingdale in September. The charity will use the money collected to fulfill Samantha’s desire to help Haiti.
“I had no idea when I raised this amount of money that I would be able to help so many people because that same amount wouldn’t buy nearly that much food in our country,” said Tallard.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Miami Philanthropists Crazy About Helping Others
Looking for a memorable night on the town and an opportunity to donate to charity? You are invited to experience Miami’s newest ocean view restaurant, “Crazy About You” on Brickell Bay Drive, Oct. 2. The event, chaired by Kimberly Bacardi and hosted with restaurant owners Carlos Galan and JC Chamizo, will raise money for the Food For The Poor and Florida Marlins “Homes For Haiti” campaign.
During Bacardi’s eye-opening travel experience throughout Haiti with Food For The Poor and a group from the Florida Marlins, she realized how she and others can make a difference in Haiti – one person, one family at a time. Event proceeds will be used to construct the Good Karma Community Center in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. The center will provide a place for a health clinic and vocational training classes. Extra funds will be used to fulfill other needs within the community – housing, solar power and animal husbandry projects, for example.
“I encourage others to donate to this cause – only an hour and a half by plane from Miami we can move people out of garbage-filled swamps and slums, into new homes, a new village,” said Bacardi. “You also have an opportunity to travel with Food For The Poor on a mission trip to see how your donation positively affects change.”
The evening’s events will honor Bina Fink, and include live entertainment by Ariel Rose, and a sit-down dinner prepared by Chef ZeCarlos. RSVP to Kim’s Good Karma Group by e-mailing GoodKarmaMiami@aol.com. Suggested minimum donation is $50 to attend the 6:30 p.m. dinner at Crazy About You, 1155 Brickell Bay Drive, MARK Building, Miami, FL 33130.
Please make checks payable to Food For The Poor and include the special source code “SC# 70264.” Donations can be mailed to Food For The Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. All gifts are tax-deductible. Online donations can also be made through the charity’s secure Web site.
Committee members include: Kim Bacardi, Ruby Bacardi, Steven Bauer, Dhardra Blake, April Bolet, Pilar Bosch, May Caine, Cesar Cardoza, Rose Cardoza, Leo Casino, Damourude Ceant, Nelcida Chakoff, Lori Chipnik, Geo Darder, Norma Estrada, Yovanna Farley, Jessica Felicaiano, Lisa Gaylord, Aaron Glickman, Maria Eugenia Guerra, Margie Hawayek, Ligia Houben, Mike Kalamaras, Phyllis Kane, Barbara Kliene, Vivian Lacorra, Merdocery LaFrance, Linda Levy Goldberg, Silvia Lima, Dana Mark, Richard Martinez, Frederick W. Mclendon, Moira Rauch, Marvi Rodriguez Garces, Lois H. Rubin, Nicole Sapah Gulian, Sunny Singh, Sondra Soven, Dana Shear, Praveen Yalamanchi, and Bridget Baratto Sanchez.
Event sponsors include: WBFS Channel 33 MyNetworkTV personality Mike Sherman, Neiman Marcus, Merrick Park; Saks Fifth Avenue, Dadeland Mall, and Eventos Magazine.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
During Bacardi’s eye-opening travel experience throughout Haiti with Food For The Poor and a group from the Florida Marlins, she realized how she and others can make a difference in Haiti – one person, one family at a time. Event proceeds will be used to construct the Good Karma Community Center in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. The center will provide a place for a health clinic and vocational training classes. Extra funds will be used to fulfill other needs within the community – housing, solar power and animal husbandry projects, for example.“I encourage others to donate to this cause – only an hour and a half by plane from Miami we can move people out of garbage-filled swamps and slums, into new homes, a new village,” said Bacardi. “You also have an opportunity to travel with Food For The Poor on a mission trip to see how your donation positively affects change.”
The evening’s events will honor Bina Fink, and include live entertainment by Ariel Rose, and a sit-down dinner prepared by Chef ZeCarlos. RSVP to Kim’s Good Karma Group by e-mailing GoodKarmaMiami@aol.com. Suggested minimum donation is $50 to attend the 6:30 p.m. dinner at Crazy About You, 1155 Brickell Bay Drive, MARK Building, Miami, FL 33130.
Please make checks payable to Food For The Poor and include the special source code “SC# 70264.” Donations can be mailed to Food For The Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. All gifts are tax-deductible. Online donations can also be made through the charity’s secure Web site.
Committee members include: Kim Bacardi, Ruby Bacardi, Steven Bauer, Dhardra Blake, April Bolet, Pilar Bosch, May Caine, Cesar Cardoza, Rose Cardoza, Leo Casino, Damourude Ceant, Nelcida Chakoff, Lori Chipnik, Geo Darder, Norma Estrada, Yovanna Farley, Jessica Felicaiano, Lisa Gaylord, Aaron Glickman, Maria Eugenia Guerra, Margie Hawayek, Ligia Houben, Mike Kalamaras, Phyllis Kane, Barbara Kliene, Vivian Lacorra, Merdocery LaFrance, Linda Levy Goldberg, Silvia Lima, Dana Mark, Richard Martinez, Frederick W. Mclendon, Moira Rauch, Marvi Rodriguez Garces, Lois H. Rubin, Nicole Sapah Gulian, Sunny Singh, Sondra Soven, Dana Shear, Praveen Yalamanchi, and Bridget Baratto Sanchez.
Event sponsors include: WBFS Channel 33 MyNetworkTV personality Mike Sherman, Neiman Marcus, Merrick Park; Saks Fifth Avenue, Dadeland Mall, and Eventos Magazine.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Atlanta Residents Reflect on Blogged Travels of Water-Life-Hope in Haiti
Atlanta residents Edward Buckley and John Beasley traveled to Haiti, Sept. 13-15, with the nonprofit Food For The Poor to visit remote communities in desperate need of clean, safe drinking water. During the trip, daily blog entries and photos were posted online in an effort to bring Haiti’s reality to the comfort of Atlanta residents’ homes.
“The image from our trip to Haiti that I can vividly picture happened while driving through a relatively upscale community,” said Buckley. “A man, completely naked, suddenly leaped out of a storm sewer dripping wet – and ran to hide in the bush. To our horror, he had been bathing in the sewer. Imagine the indignity of having to bathe in front of the world. Millions of people in Haiti literally have nothing. Whatever deprivation we as Americans think we are suffering on most days pales in comparison.”
Considering their trip, Buckley and Beasley said they would like to raise Atlanta’s awareness about continuing deplorable living conditions in Haiti. Community members are encouraged to take action to give the gift of water to Haiti. A donation of $205 made through Food For The Poor will provide a village with a water pump, and $5,298 is enough to drill and install a well.
While in Haiti, the group visited some of the water projects they have funded.
“The contractor that installs the wells guarantees them for life and fixes any wear and tear for free,” said Buckley. “The seven wells we looked at are just a few of the many funded by our project, Water-Life-Hope in partnership with Food For The Poor. The wells are dated and I noticed that one of them was built on my birthday this year – a nice present.”
At another site, the well’s cement basin had just been poured. In a couple of hours, the well would be operational – instantly improving the living conditions of residents within a several-mile radius. A Food For The Poor-Haiti employee used a stick to write Buckley’s name in the wet concrete.
The travelers drove through rivers, down narrow mud roads and were required to move boulders during their journey. They saw glimpses of life in tent cities that house those displaced by the earthquake, and feared for families living in shacks made only of bed sheets, sticks and tarps in an 8-foot-wide stretch of median. Together they learned how self-sustainable initiatives empower villages and increase in-country production of food and living conditions. These initiatives included tilapia ponds, fishing villages, animal husbandry and agricultural projects.
Buckley and Beasley have previously traveled to Haiti with Food For The Poor and continue to do so based upon a firm belief that access to clean water is a fundamental human right. Their most recent trip reaffirmed for them that the installation of more water wells is of paramount importance. This need can be seen throughout Haiti – in the earthquake ravaged city of Port-au-Prince, in the north of Haiti, where many of the displaced victims of the earthquake fled, and in the south, where natural impediments restrict access to clean, potable water.
On the last day of their trip, Buckley and Beasley visited the construction site for the “Journey of Hope Memorial Village” in Anse a Veau. There they saw poured housing foundations, the delivery of rebar by the truckload and workers on-site manufacturing concrete blocks for family housing. The village, scheduled to be inaugurated in January 2011, is dedicated to the 12 Lynn University students and two faculty members who were on a Haiti mission trip with Food For The Poor when the devastating earthquake struck.
“This village is likewise in need of an adequate clean water source as well as water catchments for each of the family homes and will be added to the list of funding necessities for the Water-Life-Hope project,” said Buckley.
“On the last night of our trip, I had the perfect opportunity to reflect on what it is that Haiti needs, the amazing things that Food For The Poor is doing, and what we can do to help by providing something as basic as clean water,” Beasley blogged his last night in Haiti. “Our trip is scheduled to end tomorrow but the work to help Haiti’s poor will obviously continue. We plan to be part of that work and hope others are encouraged to join us in an endeavor that is truly making a difference and changing this small part of the world.”
For seven years, Buckley, Beasley and their supporters have raised money to drill and install lifesaving water wells in Jamaica and throughout Haiti with the assistance of Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. Recently, the group completed the funding of more than 100 artesian wells in north, central and southern Haiti. Each well serves an average of 5,000 people.
If you would like to provide a village in Haiti with the gift of water, please make checks payable to Food For The Poor and include the special source code “SC# 70245” so the money can be tracked to the Water-Life-Hope initiative. Donations can be mailed to Food For The Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. All gifts are tax-deductible. Online donations can also be made through the charity’s secure Web site.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
“The image from our trip to Haiti that I can vividly picture happened while driving through a relatively upscale community,” said Buckley. “A man, completely naked, suddenly leaped out of a storm sewer dripping wet – and ran to hide in the bush. To our horror, he had been bathing in the sewer. Imagine the indignity of having to bathe in front of the world. Millions of people in Haiti literally have nothing. Whatever deprivation we as Americans think we are suffering on most days pales in comparison.”Considering their trip, Buckley and Beasley said they would like to raise Atlanta’s awareness about continuing deplorable living conditions in Haiti. Community members are encouraged to take action to give the gift of water to Haiti. A donation of $205 made through Food For The Poor will provide a village with a water pump, and $5,298 is enough to drill and install a well.
While in Haiti, the group visited some of the water projects they have funded.
“The contractor that installs the wells guarantees them for life and fixes any wear and tear for free,” said Buckley. “The seven wells we looked at are just a few of the many funded by our project, Water-Life-Hope in partnership with Food For The Poor. The wells are dated and I noticed that one of them was built on my birthday this year – a nice present.”
At another site, the well’s cement basin had just been poured. In a couple of hours, the well would be operational – instantly improving the living conditions of residents within a several-mile radius. A Food For The Poor-Haiti employee used a stick to write Buckley’s name in the wet concrete.
The travelers drove through rivers, down narrow mud roads and were required to move boulders during their journey. They saw glimpses of life in tent cities that house those displaced by the earthquake, and feared for families living in shacks made only of bed sheets, sticks and tarps in an 8-foot-wide stretch of median. Together they learned how self-sustainable initiatives empower villages and increase in-country production of food and living conditions. These initiatives included tilapia ponds, fishing villages, animal husbandry and agricultural projects.
Buckley and Beasley have previously traveled to Haiti with Food For The Poor and continue to do so based upon a firm belief that access to clean water is a fundamental human right. Their most recent trip reaffirmed for them that the installation of more water wells is of paramount importance. This need can be seen throughout Haiti – in the earthquake ravaged city of Port-au-Prince, in the north of Haiti, where many of the displaced victims of the earthquake fled, and in the south, where natural impediments restrict access to clean, potable water.
On the last day of their trip, Buckley and Beasley visited the construction site for the “Journey of Hope Memorial Village” in Anse a Veau. There they saw poured housing foundations, the delivery of rebar by the truckload and workers on-site manufacturing concrete blocks for family housing. The village, scheduled to be inaugurated in January 2011, is dedicated to the 12 Lynn University students and two faculty members who were on a Haiti mission trip with Food For The Poor when the devastating earthquake struck.
“This village is likewise in need of an adequate clean water source as well as water catchments for each of the family homes and will be added to the list of funding necessities for the Water-Life-Hope project,” said Buckley.
“On the last night of our trip, I had the perfect opportunity to reflect on what it is that Haiti needs, the amazing things that Food For The Poor is doing, and what we can do to help by providing something as basic as clean water,” Beasley blogged his last night in Haiti. “Our trip is scheduled to end tomorrow but the work to help Haiti’s poor will obviously continue. We plan to be part of that work and hope others are encouraged to join us in an endeavor that is truly making a difference and changing this small part of the world.”
For seven years, Buckley, Beasley and their supporters have raised money to drill and install lifesaving water wells in Jamaica and throughout Haiti with the assistance of Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. Recently, the group completed the funding of more than 100 artesian wells in north, central and southern Haiti. Each well serves an average of 5,000 people.
If you would like to provide a village in Haiti with the gift of water, please make checks payable to Food For The Poor and include the special source code “SC# 70245” so the money can be tracked to the Water-Life-Hope initiative. Donations can be mailed to Food For The Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. All gifts are tax-deductible. Online donations can also be made through the charity’s secure Web site.
Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian agency provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
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