Hello family and friends,
I know we all share the same sadness and concern for the people in Haiti. There are many outstanding organizations (see list at bottom) that are providing help. Likely you have your own favorite charity that you have donated to already or plan to do so shortly.
I have spoken to a number of friends who have wanted to do something a little more, a little more personal. Obviously we all have different and limited resources, both in time and money, but I think together, as friends and family, we can do something together that is a little more personal.
Here is my proposal. We “adopt” an orphanage.
I think we can all picture of what “adopt an orphanage” might involve. My picture (just as a starting point) involves:
· donating/pledging to create a working fund, (Any amount, large or small. I’m confident we can partner with a non-profit to allow the donations to be tax deductable.)
· partnering with an non-profit organization that is currently, and has been, in Haiti (there are many, this should not be a problem)
· finding an orphanage to adopt, (also not a problem, there are plenty!)
· providing that orphanage with some immediate financial support, (this thru the local organization we partner with)
· working with the orphanage to find their immediate and longer term needs, and
· supporting the longer term needs with volunteer labor and continued financial support (Traveling to Haiti in the near term may not be practical or desirable. However, a time will come when Haiti is out of the spotlight and help is still needed. Many of you I know would be willing to go, have flexible schedules or are retired. I believe there will be a continuing need for many years to come.)
Even if this is a crazy idea and doesn’t come to fruition, the fall back plan would be to simply donate whatever funds we have collected to an existing, reputable charity. Nothing lost.
To be honest, I don’t know if I have what it takes on my own to make this happen. I do believe, that if even a few of us agree to work on the idea together, we can make it happen.
Well, what do you think?
-Kevin Darcy
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For the many of you have who have replied, thank you! I will get to replying to your individual emails but wanted to send out a status report first.
Here’s what’s new:
• I have spoken to two tax exempt non-profit organizations I have worked with in the past. Both are based in the US and are run by people I know and trust. Both understand what we want to do and are willing to work with us.
• Several of you have suggested leads to find an orphanage we can “adopt”. Obviously we are just beginning that process. Please continue to send me your thoughts so we have a wide range of possibilities.
• I have a name to contact with Mission Aviation Fellowship. They are a faith-based non-profit based in Idaho who have had a presence in Haiti for some time. They are sending another airplane, pilot and maintenance crews to expand their back-country type operations. These folks could be key.
• Patricia Fieldsted is exploring a BlogSpot, or other such internet thing, that will help facilitate communications on our side.
• Some of have you have very generously pledged to provide monetary support. Thank you. A couple of things in this regard:
o Contribute only from your overflow and not thru any feeling of obligation.
o I don’t want to discourage you from giving thru your church or any other organization of your choice.
o Any monetary contribution of any size is appreciated, but there are many other ways to support the cause.
o I will insure that donations will be tax deductable and 100% will go to the cause.
• I’m meeting with some folks in a few minutes to get a little better organized and will keep you informed as frequently as I can.
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