|
|
A Canadian Mission for Haiti
by Nick Capra
I arrived in Cap Haitien, Haiti’s second largest city for a short three-day excursion on Monday November 17, 2008. The intent was to shore up some loose ends on the Cap’s first ever 10km road race. It was my first time visiting Haiti and I must admit it was quite difficult trying to stay focused on the task at hand. Although I had been aware of the deep poverty, lack of basic infrastructure and the devastation in the wake of the most recent hurricane season, nothing can prepare you for what can only be described as heart breaking. Several months earlier Art Duerksen, a great giver and inspiration to everyone blessed to meet him, asked me to help as technical advisor on the Cap’s first road race. Art is co-director of Men for Missions International - Canada, a faith-based organization that works with OMS International and other NGO’s around the world. They are responsible for delivering everything from wells to schools, medical clinics, orphanages, churches, micro-loans and more in countries in Africa, South East Asia, South America and of course Haiti. Knowing the hope that Art has delivered all around the world I couldn’t say no to his request, and so off I went. I spent almost all of my time in Haiti working on the race, out on the streets, meeting Haitians, including Joseph Fritz, one of the three mayors of Cap Haitien, who has committed to the race with full support. Through every turn and down every alley, I could’t stop looking - looking at everything that comes with an 80% unemployment rate. The burning of garbage on the streets, the burning of coal as fuel to cook food, the milling of wood using a hand saw for the construction of shelters, the prying of a tire from a rim with just the use of a stick in hand, the goats and sheep and hens scavenging amongst the populace. I found there was so much to take in at every turn that it was not until I was alone reflecting on the day that my emotions matched the thoughts of what I had seen. I am more determined now to see this race through. I am more determined because I know this day will be a day the Haitians in Cap will be proud of. It will bring joy and purpose to a day that might have just passed as every other. In all the turbulence of what are the streets of Cap Haitien, I could not help but notice that although most are just surviving, the Haitians were seemingly content. I do not recall witnessing any anger - quit the contrary in fact. On the second day of my visit, Art had to stop in on an orphanage built by OMS and the Joy and Hope of Haiti volunteer group . While he inspected the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, I had a chance to meet some smiling kids and generous caregivers, greeting me as if I were some distinguished guest. Outside the gated compound were dozens of children, gathered around us, so excited to see themselves in an image caught on our digital camera. Something so little brought so much joy.
The idea of having a race in Haiti was the brainchild of Ester Pauls, the spirited owner of Hamilton’s Runners Den. Ester and her husband Gord have been responsible for raising literally hundreds of thousands of dollars for projects in Haiti through various events including the Hamilton Marathon. This race would be yet another opportunity to deliver hope to people in need. In January, 15 Canadian runners, including myself, will descend on Haiti, bringing down badly needed funds and support. As a group, we have committed to raise $30,000.00 to put on the race, to purchase a generator for a dental and medical clinic and fund a local radio station that focuses on basic education. The Marathon de la Solidarité will see over 250 Haitians, several Dominicans and 15 Canadians take to the streets for the first time in a 10km road race. Our goal of raising these funds in such a short period is bold but certainly attainable. You can help too. How? Running Free will be accepting donations for this Canadian mission. No amount is too little. Please be a part of this mission and drop by the shop, and give what ever you can. I have seen first hand what previous funding drives have brought to this country and I assure you everything you give will go directly to our target. Great projects are happening right now in Haiti, but much more is needed. I look forward to writing a follow-up article upon my return in January, reporting on the success of our efforts. Donations can be made by phone, in the Barrie, Newmarket or Markham shop, or by mail. With any donation of $20.00 or more, you will receive an income tax receipt. I thank you for your consideration and hope you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Here’s how you can help
In the Shop: A Mission Haiti display is set up at all the shops where you can donate using a cheque, Visa or MasterCard. Barrie | Newmarket | Markham, locations
By Phone: Call any of the shops and donate using Visa or MasterCard.
Barrie – 705.728.1110 | Newmarket – 905.235.1438 | Markham – 416.410.3733
By Mail: Send a cheque payable to OMS International – Canada. The address to send is - Running Free c/o Mission Haiti, 708 Denison Street, Markham, ON L3R1C1.
All donations over $20.00 will receive a tax deductable receipt. In order to receive a 2008 tax deductable receipt, donations must be in our office by December 30th, 2008. All donations after that date will receive a 2009 tax deductible receipt. All cheque donations should be made out to OMS International – Canada.
|
|
|