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So far I have raised: This fundraising page is now completed and it is no longer possible to sponsor this fundraiser via this fundraising page. |
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My Personal Message Hi Guys,Thanks again for taking the time to look at this fundraising page. As many of you know I have already been a volunteer on one of Havens "build it week" projects in Haiti. The April 2011 project lead to the the completion of 70 houses with adjunct toilet facilities, a community centre, playground complete with mini pitch and a full sized football pitch, and landscaped grounds with a planting nursery which is a joy to behold in a country with over 95 deforestation and where the only animal that seems thrive is the goat! We lived onsite in tents shared with 5 or 6 others and with basic shower and toilet facilities nearby. There was very little machinery (a few small concrete mixers, one fork lift truck) so virtually everything was done by hand – whether constructing the joists for the roof, digging foundations , clearing and raking ground or shovelling gravel through a sieve for fine sand – which some did for six days in extreme temperatures without complaint. In 2004 and again 2008 the city of Gonaives in Haiti suffered a series of hurricanes and landslides in which approximately 2,550 people lost their lives, and thousands more lost their homes. Beneficiaries of these building projects have been living in shacks or under tarpaulins for at least three years. The trip to meet some of the beneficiaries who would be receiving one of these houses, I found heart wrenching. La Tanerie is a "village" ( in Gonaives)built on a rubbish tip full of puddles of foetid, stinking, sewage filled water. here is rubbish everywhere and lots of barefoot children laughing and smiling – oblivious to their surroundings. Families of five, six or more live in shelters no bigger than an average bedroom made from sticks, plastic, cardboard – materials that will blow or wash away when the next rains or winds arrive. These people live, eat, sleep and wash there. I will never forget the “pigeon French” conversation I had with one mal nourished little boy who while holding my hand eventually asked me what I had eaten that day. For simplicity I said “pomme de terre” – potato—he then asked me if I had a potato for him. That memory still brings me to tears. To quote from the blog of Tom a "build it week" volunteer “ ….. for as long as I live, I will never forget the local Haitian who stood up in front of us as a group on the final night of our Build it Week last April. Through a translator, he said that when the hurricane hit in 2008, they asked for help and none came. They were left to fend for themselves. He said that they prayed and prayed for help and it was his firm belief that God sent over 300 Irish people across the oceans to help him and his community. Whatever your convictions or views on life, that man will not be swayed. For my part, I am so very proud to be part of this group of amazingly varied individuals who have such big hearts.” Please read below a few words about Haven( more details at their website www.havenpartnership.com). I know that we are all feeling the financial stresses of the current recession, yet I am also aware that we live in very privelaged circumstances compared to many people in the world who are without food, water, shelter or security on a daily basis. Any donation no matter how small is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use by Haven. As an added incentive!! - scientific studies show that there is a brain based link between helping others and increased happiness ( Harbaugh Mayr Burghart 2007) and that those who spend a higher proportion of their income on others are far happier than those who spend it on themselves (Dunn Norton Aknin 2008) - so in the hopes that a little of that income might find its way here I am spreading the word to you! You can donate using the "sponsor me now" button below via credit or debit card. You can be assured that your transaction on the mycharity.ie website is very secure. Many thanks in advance for your support, and generosity Lots of love and hugs Julie xx |
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About my charity Haven is a non governmental, non political, non religious organisation working to build sustainable communities, through the provision of housing, and emergency relief by implementing community development programmes in Haiti. What Haven does Haven's focus is on shelter, water and sanitation, emergency relief and the provision of training. These programmes run throughout the year. By training, upskilling and employing local Haitian people Haven is creating jobs and encouraging local trade and industry. Schools, playgrounds, and commnuity buildings are key elements of Haven's community building projects. By training, up-skilling and employing local Haitian people throughout the year, Haven is creating jobs, encouraging local trade and promoting industry. Homes, community buildings and house upgrades are key elements of Haven's projects. As well as employing over 600 people on these projects Haven has also brought over 1,000 Irish volunteers for one week periods to Haiti to assist with the building of houses & help fund the cost of building materials to make these building projects feasible. Since the earthquake hit Haiti's capital city, Port au Prince, on January 12th, 2010, Haven has been working in affected areas providing emergency relief to those most in need. To date Haven has:
Gressier Build It Week, May 2012 Haven along with Oxfam has committed to build houses for earthquake affected families in the town of Gressier which lies 26km south west of the capital Port au Prince. This is where the epicentre of the devastating earthquake occurred 2 years ago and saw over 240 thousand Haitians lose their lives in a matter of 42 seconds. The town of Gressier suffered greatly with 95% of homes being destroyed resulting in communities being displaced and families divided up into temporary camps where they are still living today. This May, 45 Haven volunteers will travel to Haiti for an intensive week-long 'Build It Week'. Volunteers are of all ages and come from all walks of life, but they are completing a housing project in one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. The dates of travel are from 4th May - 12th May 2012. There will be 30 houses under construction at any one time on Havens Gressier programme. Haven employs 11 local Haitian contractors so each volunteer will slot into whatever stage the house build is at & work under the supervision of the contractors. Voluntees will work long days outdoors with Havens Haitian workforce and live in basic accommodation beside the build site.
Click here for more information |
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My Online Sponsors to Date
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