Friday, December 2, 2011

You can make a difference too!

big-eyed Haitian child at the elementary school
People keep telling me that they are so inspired by what I've done in Haiti and it makes them want to make a difference too. Those comments bring tears to my eyes. Like you, I am just your average person, but I believe so strongly in helping the people of Haiti, that I did. After the earthquake that killed 250,000 (That's right, it killed a quarter of a million people!) I was determined to help. 

If you have a project or idea you'd like to do in Haiti and want to fundraise for it, I can help you make it happen! The need is so great. Whether it be with me in Haiti or with something you are passionate about, I encourage you to follow your passions too and share with those around the world who have so little compared to us.You too can help make the world a better place!

they styled my hair like theirs. ha ha!
Haiti is one of those places where one person really can make a difference! But it was thanks to many of you that I raised over $13,700 in the spring to help rebuild Gentille Hirondelle elementary school in Haiti, a school that was destroyed by the devestating 2010 earthquake. I also taught English at the school. I felt that your donations and my volunteering made such an impact that there was no way I could stop the great momentum, blessings, and positive energy I had going. So...I'm going back to Haiti in the spring to get bathrooms built for the 200 children at the school (now they just pee in a cement corner!) and start building 2 new schools: a science-focused one for junior high children and a vocational high school.

I can't do it without your help! Can you, your business, your organization donate to help Haiti through education? Would your child's school or your office like to "adopt" a school in Haiti? Can your family share some of your Christmas cheer helping the children of Haiti who probably have never received a Christmas present at all?

All donations are tax-deductible and are recognized on the "Thank you to" page of this blog. $500 donors names' are painted on a permanent commemorating sign on the school.

Thank you for making the world a better place!
A Haitian child pointing to her favorite drawing from the children in Hawaii
Julie Akey with some of the children at school
shy girls at school