Pre-Trip Developments

This past week has seen some very exciting moments as my date of departure rapidly approaches.  Last Wednesday, the Sunnergren family held a top-notch dinner party to draw attention to the cause of my upcoming work in Haiti and to encourage their guests to give donations.  The event was a massive success; throughout the night I had engaging conversations with several guests who expressed their concerns and hopes.  To say the least, it was inspiring to hear words of encouragement and assurance from complete strangers and to feel a desire to aid in our goals from the same people.  In addition, the guests contributed generously, helping (along with other contributors) me to surpass the halfway point of the fundraising goal.  For this, credit goes to Ms. Bonnie and Dr. Ken Sunnergren, who expressed their support and poured their energies into creating such an event from the first time we discussed my work on September 3rd.  All my gratitude goes out to their family and their guests for supporting me and Kids Connection Haiti. 

On Friday, I stopped in DC for a day of pre-trip orientation at Kids Connection's home office.  I spent time learning more about my projects and the scope of what the organization hopes to accomplish during my term in Haiti and beyond.  Friday evening, I had the opportunity to meet several members of the board and many KCH supporters at our fundraiser at the Town Tavern.  My anticipation and excitement continues to multiply as I learn and connect with the committed people of KCH.  With some luck, I think we have a legitimate chance to make an impact.

Just to Clarify...

Already several people have asked about contributions; here is the protocol.  There is not a link on my blog or on any of the websites for contributions.  To donate, I have to ask you to mail a check, or cash if you like, to the address of the Episcopal Diocese that is provided in the first post.  All money that is sent to that address will reach me; we set things up this way so contributions are tax deductable.  If you donate on the Kids Connection Haiti website, that money will not go to me, although those donations go to a great cause as well.

I mentioned that some groups of people had already made contributions; several members of St. Peter's church in Lewes, Delaware have given generously.  The funding that I have received thus far has come from several small contributions, and gifts like this really do help.  The distance from Washington D.C. to Port au Prince is 2302 kilometers. That means $20 equates to 10 km, $50 for 25 km, $100 for 50 km, and so on. Every little bit counts!

In the first post I was enthusiastiac about getting in contact with anyone who might want to provide assistance... and then I neglected to leave any contact information.  So, if you would like to contact me I can be reached at copolicr@gmail.com.

Finally, for anyone in the DC area, KCH will be holding a fundraiser for the organization this Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Town Tavern in Adams Morgan.  With a suggested donation of $5, beer and rail drinks will cost you $2 a drink.  Come out if you are able and support a good cause while you relax at week's end... plus I'll be there. It's a win-win.

Thanks, more info will continue to come!

Byen Venu!

In early September, I was brought on as the local program coordinator by Kids Connection Haiti (KCH), a nongovernmental organization that works especially with young adults who are at risk due to an absence of financial, familial or other support systems (many of these youth are just aging out of an orphanage or protective care).  KCH is a small operation, and due in large part to the earthquake is just establishing a presence in Port au Prince for an extended period.  In fact, I will be the first person to hold the local program coordinator position, a circumstance that I am sure will provide some great challenges and opportunities.  While it’s a bit daunting for everything to be falling into place, it’s also one of the reasons I am so excited about working in Haiti.  Since the organization is relatively small, it will give me and KCH the chance to communicate directly with the applicants, beneficiaries, and donors.  In other words, it affords us the opportunity to aid young people in building healthy, sustainable lives one person at a time.  I can’t wait to start the ball rolling, and I’ll update this blog weekly (at least) to share some of my experiences with the process.

As for the aforementioned challenges, not all are confined to my role in Haiti; the most immediate concern is fundraising.  I will live in Haiti for six months, with $1200 of my expenses paid for by a stipend from KCH.  The rest is up to me to fundraise.  A breakdown of the expected costs over the six month period:

$2400 – Room rental just outside Port au Prince (prices have increased to match the demand created by aid workers in the wake of the earthquake)
$1800 – Food and clean water
$500 – Flight
$500 – In-country transportation, communication, and other unforeseen costs

Already, the support from friends and family has been inspiring.  Several people have shared their contacts and knowledge of the country and helped set up events, meetings, and channels for donation.  Others have already generously donated.   

Some of the most pointed help so far has come from my Camp Arrowhead family.  Arrowhead, on the Rehobeth Bay in Lewes, Delaware is the summer camp of the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware, where I have worked for the last six summers.  Within a day of my accepting the position, the Diocese helped me set up a Tax-ID number for donations (so all donations are tax deductible), which will run through the camp.  To be completely honest, this blog is currently functioning due in large part to my tech-savvy friend who has designed it. 

Some very basic stats for your thoughts regarding Haiti:

• Haiti is the world’s first black republic and the second independent nation in the western hemisphere
• For a period in its history, the island of Hispaniola (which Haiti now shares with the Dominican Republic) drew in more than the combined revenue of all the colonies that would become the United States.
• 80% of the population lives in poverty
• 70% is officially unemployed
• 55% is illiterate
• It is estimated that 173,000 Haitian children are restaveks (a form of child slavery)

If you would like to donate, please make checks payable to Camp Arrowhead/Haiti Relief. If your company or organization would like to make a contribution I will add a link your website on this blog.
Checks can be sent to:

Episcopal Diocese of Delaware
Haiti Relief
2020 N Tatnall St
Wilmington DE, 19802

Thanks, and stay tuned for more updates.  If you think there is someone or something I should know that will aid me in the process, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line!

Bonjou

Chris