The group “Nous et les autres” (We and the Others) has been caring for indigent and poor children in the Cap Haitien area of Haiti for 34 years. Prior to the earthquake in 2010, the committee was responsible for 20 young people. After the earthquake, an additional 64 children have been added under their care. These are primarily homeless children, some of who have been placed temporarily in foster homes. There are others living in make shift shelters and on the streets of Cap Haitian. The increase to 84 children are a result of orphaned children coming from the earthquake stricken area in Port au Prince.
The need for housing for these children brought this committee to Dr. Manno, to see if we could help them help these children. The goal of the committee was to have not only funds for the construction of a nutrition center and home, but enough product to expand the work they can do in the impoverished area of Petite-Anse.
On February 8th, a ground breaking ceremony was attended by city officials, law enforcement and members of the surrounding community and we began to lay the groundwork for a better future for these kids.
By the beginning of March, workers began clearing the land and digging the foundation. In no time at all, the walls were taking shape. While the workers in Haiti were busy at the construction site, Reliv Employees were given the opportunity to help support this project from right here at corporate headquarters. We provided a list of items that were needed to furnish this home; everything from kitchen supplies to linens for the dormitories to a welcome gift for each child. We had a great response from our employees!
A group of talented employees volunteered to sew bed covers for the dormitory and in no time, covers were sewn, ironed and packed. And even after all items were purchased and the container was on its way to Haiti, donations are still coming in for home baked items from employees in the Call Center. Everything from brownies to tamales are available for a small donation. It is obvious that our employees have embraced this project and have enjoyed getting involved!
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