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ShareUPDATE: The Restavek Foundation Responds
01/25/10
Unimaginable destruction, tattered infrastructure and catastrophic losses are just some of the problems facing Haiti in the wake of the January 12th earthquake. The homes, schools and churches that had once sheltered them have now become tombs for tens of thousands.
Founded in 2007 by Jean-Robert, The Jean Cadet Retavek Foundation was formed to bring an end to child servitude in Haiti. The Foundation provides direct relief and education opportunities for children in Restavek; advocates for these children throughout Haiti and raises global awareness of this horrible system, which takes advantage of the poorest of the poor. The Restavek Foundation was officially named a Clinton Global Initiative commitment in September 2009 for its new area of focus - human trafficking.
Despite its past achievements, the organization is now focusing more than ever on aiding relief efforts in the wake of Haiti’s massive earthquake. Those of us who love Haiti rushed to respond. Jean Robert Cadet immediately left the US to aid his fellow Haitian people. Our co-founders, Joan & Ray Conn were on the scene when the earthquake hit and remain there; dedicated and determined to give the children the immediate support, love and hope for the future.
A number of UN and Haitian government, responsible for coordinating disaster response and facilitating the flow of assistance, have not been accounted for. The speed of medical relief is measured in minutes and hours, many have escaped with their lives, but have sustained injuries that are life threatening. Aid has not reached thousands of people, ultimately because of logistical reasons: No space available, depleting aid and food supplies, lack of transportation. At current, the organization is in need of the following to help those children and families in need:
CASH!!
Although resources are coming into Haiti, the distribution system is failing at this time, leaving our staff to buy things as needed from the area. Unfortunately the price of these items has doubled now. The more money we get them, the more aggressive they can be in helping those children and families in urgent need! The donation will ultimately dictate HOW we will move forward in the coming days, months and years as a foundation. We really need this more than actual supplies at this time.
Through YOUR help we have:
• Distributed food and supplies from a container that arrived JUST before the disaster! This allowed our staff on the ground to assist churches, schools, orphanages and the 400+ people coming into the compound receive the necessary aid and support they so desperately needed.
• Purchased a truck – this has allowed us to transport mass amounts of food and supplies to areas that have not been reached by large aid agencies.
• Provided transportation for doctors to areas in the most critical need that have not been reached.
• Provided schools, we support, as well as other local orphanages with much needed aid.
• We have been able to assess a few of the schools which we WILL help rebuild.
With 100% of the public’s contributions going directly to assist in the relief efforts of schools and children, we encourage you to take action!
Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and support in this time of great crisis. We are numb with grief for those dear ones we’ve lost. We are in this for the long haul. The Restavek Foundation will remain passionately committed to working for the people of Haiti and most of all THE CHILDREN. Now more than ever we need to ensure Restavek children have a voice and we need your help and support as we continue in our fight.
In the coming days we will:
• Continue providing aid in many capacities.
• Turn our attention to locating our children and assessing the conditions of the schools and other organizations we support.
• Organize a child protection initiative to help our children in need
• Begin the recovery and rebuilding efforts
Best Regards,
The Restavek Foundation Staff
Other ways to help:
Immediate relief donations can be made to our link below:
http://www.restavekfreedom.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.start&destination=G
If you’d like to help us raise relief funds by inviting your friends and family to help, click the link: http://www.restavekfreedom.org/event/restavek
100% of your contributions go directly to the relief efforts of our schools & children in restavek. Please indicate “Relief funds” in the instructions area.
Contact Us:
Office Contact: 513.475.3710
Office Address for Checks, etc:
The Jean Cadet Restavek Foundation · 11160 Kenwood Road · Cincinnati · OH · 45242
