DEADLINE TO GIVE IS MAY 24TH!!

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, the Random Acts team returned, including myself as one of 22 volunteers.  While there, we opened our hearts and arms to demonstrate the true power of kindness. We 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, we participated in creative and recreational activities with the children, such as arts, crafts and games.  You can watch a video I put together of our trip to the left.

Attending the June 2011 trip made such an impact, I took it upon myself to return to Jacmel in March 2012.  Seeing the children and adults again (with many of them remembering me from my June trip) filled my soul with love.  Bonite, the woman who will be running the facility upon completion, introducted us to the first orphaned child she has ever taken in, a 14-month old boy named Stephen.  He will be the first official child resident of the center.  You can find his picture to the left.  We also met up with an amazing group called Angel Wings International, who are working to build a medical clinic in Jacmel.

Once again, I was blown away by the Haitians full bodied confidence and complete lack of self pity.  Their joy in the simple things, like shadow puppets, a game of jumprope, and hugs upon hugs, was all it took to remind us that simply being there was making an impact on their lives that will stay with them forever.  I know the trips have changed my life.

I am starting my fundraising a bit late in the game and realize I most likely will not make my $5,000 goal.  Even if I did make it to $5,000 by May 24th, I do not know if I would be able to afford the trip.  But it's not ultimately about me being able to go to Jacmel.  It's about raising money for a center that will affect hundreds of children's lives every day.  The center will provide food, clean water, and shelter to over 300 children daily.  Over 80 children will have a place to live.  Hundreds of children and adults alike will take classes, giving them the opportunity to make a living in the Jacmel community. 

“We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.” -- J.K. Rowling