Haiti’s Darkest Hour: The Restavek Foundation’s Response
At this very moment, one of the direst of situations is unfolding only two hours off the shore of Miami, Florida. For the people of Haiti, tonight is one of the darkest nights in the history of the country. Only when the sun comes up will the world get a sense of the extent of the devastation left behind by a 7.0 earthquake that hit the country only hours ago. Though not much is known at this time, it can be expected that there will be a great loss of life and devastation to the area of Port-au-Prince. It will be an uphill battle for those already living in one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. They are going to need an extraordinary amount of help in the days, months and years to come. At this time, we can only hope that the strength and will of the people in Haiti will prevail in these terrifying times… But with a catastrophe at this scale, they need the world’s help more than ever!
Haitians living in the poorest of poor conditions are finding themselves unable to withstand this level of calamity. Moreover, the children we so passionately work with and support have been instantly thrown into a situation of astronomical proportions, which no child should have to endure without a loving family to support them. Unfortunately, the reality is grim for our children living in restavek. Their current situation now leaves them even more vulnerable prey to those looking to take advantage of a country brought to its knees. It is our immediate goal to reach out, locate and continue to support those children that are lost or in need of urgent help. 44% of our children living in restavek come from areas in and around the devastated areas of Port-au-Prince. This is a country that is not well equipped or able to react to the type of first response or rescue capabilities so desperately needed in these critical hours. We absolute need YOUR support more than ever as we move forward on the ground.
We do have good news to report tonight: Our Haiti staff is safe in Port-au-Prince, the Conn family, US staff, Jean-Marie are safe in Port Salut. We will have more updates and news for you as it comes in.
Your continued support and awareness will help to protect these children in their most vulnerable days ahead. Please keep our staff, children and people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.
There are people in the dark, and you have a way to shed some needed light on their future.
REAL HOPE HAS ACTION BEHIND IT!
Immediate relief donations can be made to our link below: http://www.restavekfreedom.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.start&destination=G
100%of your contributions go directly to the relief efforts of our schools & children in restavek. Please indicate “Relief funds” in the instructions area.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy,
The Restavek Foundation Staff
There are 300,000 children living in restavek in Haiti...but not for long. We want to end this form of child slavery in our lifetimes. Join us in Standing Up for Freedom.
