Helping hands for friends in Haiti

Ashley Link is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

As many of you know Haiti was rocked by a 7.2 earthquake on the west side of island this morning.

I am just getting a little bit of information in now from my friend Jeff there and it sounds pretty dire. Folks are in the streets with lack of food, afraid of aftershocks, houses destroyed, and loss of life :(

The epicenter was reasonably close to where we spent a really wonderful piece of time a few years back on the little red sailboat anchored off Ile' Veche (close to Las Cayes in Sud) Ile Veche is a small island off of the southwest tip of Haiti.

Our Haitian friends were so kind to us in our travels, it would be wonderful to help contribute a bit of kindness back to them in this difficult time. On the sailing journey, we visited many places and Haiti left a lasting imprint. We made some really sweet friends in Ile'Veche and were welcomed into homes, shared meals, had jam sessions .. explored the island, and cracked coconuts on the boat. Our Haitian friends really helped us "sea nomads" in a distant land to feel welcomed, helped us to find food for resupply, navigate immigration on the main island, and even loaned us their sim cards so our phones worked to connect with our families after passage. In early 2020 Johnny asked me to be the godmother to his firstborn Keonae which was really sweet.

I have been trying to help these friends out here and there when I can over the past 2 years as life is a bit more challenging than in the states with a lack of jobs available. It would be incredible if some compassionate folks might help me make this gesture a bit more significant. I am contributing $400.00 and am asking for $1800 as a goal as I feel this is realistic. Even smaller donations $10- $20 bucks would be awesome and really appreciated!

Many of the houses on Ile'Vech are really cute little Island homes made from locally gathered limestone found on the island + concrete/ Mortar. Unfortunately, this construction seems prone to vulnerability when it comes to Earthquakes.

My friend Jeff informed me that his Grandmothers' house (where they all live) is in bad shape you can see photos below. His family is safe and they were all able to get out of the structure this morning when the quake hit, but their living accommodation will need to be rebuilt especially with the incoming Hurricane season with a tropical storm on the way right now. I am still waiting to hear from the family of my godson and about 2 other families as well.

I think other things that could help would be solar lights, MRE's /dehydrated foods, tarps sent down but would have to figure out that reality once infrastructure functionality becomes known. I will check in further to see if some of these items may also help.

I know times are tough right now for everyone, and if you feel called to make a little donation I know it would be incredibly appreciated. If that's not realistic for you, maybe you can help send some prayers and good vibes their way as it sounds like they are all feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. All proceeds go directly to these friends and families, as I felt this would be the most efficient way to send some support to Haiti right now.

Jeff's Family's house

My Godson Keonae

Johnny, Keonaes Dad has been working hard on entrepreneurial skills and has created a little cafe/ bar this year. Johnny likes serving fresh beers up to the island folks and the occasional thirsty sailor passing through, though unfortunately there are fewer sailors these days due to covid.

Jeff and Michelen jammin on the boat. Jeff is going to school and wants to be a doctor. Jeff takes really good care of his Mom and I think he would be great in the medical field. Jeff and Michelen are both awesome musicians Jeff sings and Michelen loves to play guitar and is an awesome vocalist.

Jeff and I right before having dinner at his mom's cute little place

This is Vilna and Dudu they have a little farm, a couple of daughters, and have adopted a few girls in need from the community, they would bring us the bomb fresh veggies and fruits.