Last year I went to earthquake-hit Haiti with the charity Random Acts. I was amazed and humbled by the Haitian people’s happiness in the face of such tragedy, and the love they showed, unconditionally, to us the volunteers.

It was so inspiring to see how, even in such difficult circumstances, they still have so much hope and generosity of spirit.

I was lucky to be involved in the early stages of the construction of a Children's Centre, where orphans will be able to get food and shelter. One of the highlights was seeing the money that I helped to raise purchase safety boots for the Haitian workers, who had been mixing cement in a pool on the ground with plastic bags tied around their bare feet. Their smiles will forever stay in my memory. 

A well has already been constructed using the money we raised last year, allowing clean, cholera-free water to flow to the people of Jacmel. The foundations of the Centre are in place, and the walls are now growing.

I have an opportunity to go back next month and help to complete the work we started, but to secure my place on the trip I need to raise US$5000 (£3000) to help complete the project (100% of funds raised go straight to Haiti as I will be covering all travel expenses and associated costs personally). I have just two weeks in which to reach this goal. I have already raised almost a quarter of this total in just a few days, and I would be honoured if you would take a moment to see just how rewarding the work is, and then donate any amount that you see fit to enable this vital resource to be completed, enabling these children to move out of their tents at last, and into a real home.

Every penny that you donate goes straight to Haiti where it's really needed. All expenses and cost of incentive gifts come out of my pocket. Speaking of incentives:

Donate any $ amount and get added to the Awesome List and have a movie clip or song dedicated to you personally on Facebook or Twitter.

Donate $50. For each $50 you donate get 1 draw entry for one of 5 limited edition dozens of CUPCAKES. Donate $1000 for example and get 20 entries.

Donate $100 (or more and in as many chunks as you like) and get an exclusive "I'm on the Awesome List" t-shirt. See photos!

Donate $500 and get all of the above plus a set of Postcards made from exclusive photos from the trip.

Donate $1000 and along with everything else you will get a large piece of artwork from the amazing Art Creation Foundation for Children where we get to spend time with the wonderfully talented children.

RANDOM ACTS wrote -

Two years ago, after a destructive and devastating earthquake ravaged Haiti, Random Acts provided major funding for a journey to Jacmel to assist in rebuilding homes, communities and lives. During our initial visit, a dental clinic was reconstructed, an orphanage was refurbished and a carpentry school with 1600 donated tools was founded.

Later, in 2011, Misha Collins and the Random Acts team returned. This time, we were joined by a group of 22 enthusiastic volunteers. For the volunteers, work began before they arrived in Haiti. To secure their spot, each person expended vast amounts of energy and determination to raise at least $5000. What a great accomplishment! The monies raised from those donations, and donations from our amazing supporters, provided the tools and supplies used during our mission.

While there, the volunteers and staff opened their hearts and arms to demonstrate the true power of kindness. They worked in the fierce heat of the Haitian sun to aid in the construction of a multi-purpose community center; a facility that will provide shelter, as well as educate and feed homeless and orphaned children. Plus, our team members participated in creative and recreational activities with the children, such as arts, crafts and games.

But, our work isn’t done. That's why we're going back in 2012.

In order to participate, you must raise your funds through Crowdrise at this project page.  

Register your profile, then click the Join the Team button to get started.

For details about the Hope to Haiti project, including requirments for joining the trip, please visit our Hope to Haiti website.