On the Road with Development and Peace: by James Dempsey
Robert F Hall students present cheque of $17,000!
Since Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 earthquake on January 12th, many people have been opening both their hearts and their wallets to give what they can to the struggling nation. This selfless sense of Catholic charity is seen marvelously in Caledon, Ontario, where the Robert F. Hall Social Justice and Haitian Relief Committees worked towards providing a $17,000 donation to aid relief efforts through Development and Peace.
After a long drive out to Caledon with Luke Stocking and his daughter Amy, we were greeted in the school’s office by a secretary proudly sharing the remarkable stories of the school’s dress down days and educational displays all geared towards the need for a Catholic sense of giving.
One story that caught my attention was that of a young man who donated $100 of his own money to the cause. Take this story into consideration, as chances are as a high school student he’s working a part-time job at a minimum wage, making this donation the equivalent of 10 hours of his hard work. It’s stories like these that exemplify the altruistic nature of our Catholic faith.
As the student leaders for this project gathered in front foyer to make the donation presentation, it was evident to me that this cause was more than just a moral obligation to these young people. There was a definite excitement in the air as the culmination of a dedicated effort approached; as if passing that novelty sized check to Luke represented more than just a job well done, but lives changed. That perhaps is the beauty of such a selfless focus, as these efforts to make a difference, once transferred into the care of Caritas Internationalis, will impact a struggling people in a way that nothing else can.
Haiti is a small island in the Caribbean, and one of the poorest countries in the world. 80% of the population lives on less than two dollars a day. Of its 9.3 million people, 58% are not getting enough to eat.
Why are Haitians hungry?
More than half the food Haitians eat comes from other countries. 75% of rice, the key food for Haitians, must be bought from outside the country. In the 1990’s Haiti was under enormous pressure to allow foreign, large companies to come in and lead food production, and to let market forces “do their thing”. By losing the focus on growing food locally now Haiti cannot grow enough to feed it’s own people. There have even been major food riots.
In Haiti, Development and Peace has supported small local farmers and farming organizations for several years. One of these is the Papaye Peasants’ Movement (MPP), which builds on small-scale farmers’ hope for the future, and their belief in their own ability to build a better world.
How do they do it?
The Papaye Peasants Movement has over 63,000 members who are farming in a way that respects the environment and uses natural fertilizers. They encourage people to grow food in their own backyards, so families can have fresh produce and more nourishing food. The MPP also helps communities dig wells and build irrigation systems in agricultural cooperatives.
Through you and I, the Papaye Peasants’ Movement sows new life in Haiti. Meet JOACHIM Moxène, 25 years old and a MPP member:
“Our idea is to grow healthy and fresh food near our homes using ecological agricultural methods. We can feed our families and make a bit of money selling organic food in local markets. This kind of farming guarantees healthy food for our families and for local consumers, and a way forward for future generations.”
“After a six-month internship in a program called The Course of Life, I started to use the techniques I had learned at home. First I built a small storage tank in the ground, where I store the rainwater that comes off my roof. With this water I’ve begun to grow various vegetables: cabbage, peppers, carrots, eggplant, spinach, etc.”
“My family and I eat these vegetables, give some to friends, and sell some for about $100 a year. I feed the fish in the storage tank and our 14 hens with what’s left over. I also make compost for our garden. The hens bring in a profit of more than $1 a day; about $400 a year. With that I’ve been able to build a second storage tank in my backyard. All this has been possible on a piece of land of only 100 square meters. With access to water, I can make a decent living on a very small piece of land.”
JOACHIM and all of us at Development and Peace thank you for your support!
God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.
In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster
to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.
Be with all creation; strengthen us in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti. All creation returns to you in mourning and your grace guides our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.
With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.
Amen.
On January 13 Development and Peace launched an emergency appeal to support humanitarian aid relief in Haiti.
To date $1 250 000 has been raised. $1 250 000 has been raised by people like you. We want to know how you did it. Tell us about your Haiti fundraising – what have you been able to accomplish with your school, your parish, you and your friends!
With the overwhelming generosity of Canadians, Caritas Haiti has taken truck loads of aid to the earthquake-hit town of Léogâne, 30km outside of Port-au-Prince. The convoy contained tents, plastic sheeting, blankets, water purification tablets and water containers. It will help 5,000 people. Another 5,000 thousand people also received food kits in a separate Caritas distribution in the town.
Send us your news – we at Development and Peace have been so moved and inspired by your commitment and solidarity. We would love to post your story – send us your experiences in gathering donations for Haiti to ggallant@devp.org.
We invite you to read up on the work of Caritas Haiti and Development and Peace partners through out main website. We also have regularly updated news from our 2 Montreal staff people on the ground. Read more…
See first-hand how survivors are getting the help they need:
