Thank you to everybody who supported the 18-26 LaSER trip to Haiti this summer. As well as running a summer camp for children aged 2-18, we installed water filters and ran a water sanitation & hygiene training at a local school. It was an incredible experience, allowing us to meet wonderful, warm people, discover more about Haitian culture, and one local community in particular.
You may have heard that Haiti has unfortunately been hit terribly by Hurricane Matthew, which has destroyed up to 90% of some areas of southern Haiti. We have kept in contact with many of the people we met during our time in Haiti and are very relieved to hear that they are all safe. However, some of their family’s homes have been destroyed and most crops have been ravaged by the storm, which means they have little shelter, no food and almost no source of income. A new cholera outbreak means that support for food and water sanitation is now vital.
Clean Water for La Vallee, the community project we supported this summer, is now fundraising for some urgent post-hurricane support. They hope to ‘provide life-giving necessities to thousands who need it so they can remain strong and hopeful in order to tackle the hard work ahead of rebuilding crops, homes, and livelihoods so they can once again sustain themselves.’
For those of you who would like to support the Haiti relief work with your units, we have re-launched our badges and free activity pack. You can use the activities in the pack at fundraising events with your units. All profits from the badge sales and any monies fundraised with your units will go to Clean Water for La Vallee, to help them support Haitian communities recovering from the hurricane. For more information about Clean Water for La Vallee visit their website.
Cheques should be made payable to The Guide Association London and South East England, for the attention of Hannah Burgess. All donations must be received by Tuesday 28 February.
The bank details are as follows:
'GD International Account'
Sort Code: 60-22-28
Account Number: 6967 0005