An update from
The Montreal Presbytery Haiti Relief Group
It has been two months since we last reported at Presbytery as to the work of our group and we want to take an opportunity to share that work with all our churches and ministry sites. In April we announced to the Presbytery that our relief and long-term area of focus would be three-fold. Our initiatives would include:
- The Dominique Literacy Centre in Saint Roc, Haiti;
- purchasing of “Air Mobile Water Purification” Systems for Haiti
- Long term school project with our Methodist partners in Haiti
The Dominique Literacy Centre is an initiative of Claire Cameron, a member of our committee, and her husband Franz Dominique whose father was killed in the earthquake on January 12, 2010. The centre bears his name and is in his memory. Currently the centre provides a learning opportunity for 24 students; employment for two teachers; and one hot meal per day for each of the students and staff. If we consider this more carefully, we must understand that 24 children are now learning to read and write; 24 children have a place to be instead of wondering around; their parents are free to pursue work or help others; the teachers are able to provide for themselves and their families; the hot meal ensures each person affiliated with the school has one, hot, quality meal each day; and those who make the food are also provided with employment and means to help their families. And so the circle continues….. Please consider making a donation which will help us help this Literacy Centre continue to make a difference in the lives of individuals.
Air Mobile Water Purification System is an incredibly powerful and very portable purifier that efficiently produces safe, clean potable water free of sediment, lead, bacteria, viruses and parasites from untreated water sources such as streams & ponds. This system can be solar powered for use in isolated areas (such as where our Literacy Centre is located) and can produce 22 - 25 gallons of water per hour! What a difference this will make in the everyday lives of our Haitian brothers and sisters. Please consider making a donation which will help us provide clean drinking water - something we take for granted and for others it is a luxury.
Long term school project with our Methodist partners in Haiti Two members of our committee will be going to Haiti in August to meet with our partners and learn more about the opportunities available for us to help the people of Haiti in a long term, sustainable and practical manner. Please consider making a donation which will help us learn more and provide long-term sustainable options in Haiti.
So, what are we asking?
We are asking:
- You to donate (in order to receive a tax receipt, please make cheques payable to Beaconsfield United Church directing the funds to “Haiti Relief Initiative”.
- Your congregation to consider making a donation through its Outreach fund.
- Your congregation to host a fundraising event with the proceeds being directed to the “Haiti Relief Initiative”. (A Concert; Dinner; Coin collection jar, etc.)
- Tell your friends, your co-workers and your family about these hands on, direct ways of reaching out to others. Each dollar donated is a dollar at work. Each dollar that will provide education, employment, water, food and supplies to people in Haiti.
We invite you into this work!
