As you probably noticed, I took a small hiatus from blog updates, as I’ve been processing the learning’s from my Thailand trip to the safe house, and working out details of our tentative “go live” date of the official kick-off of the GVN Anti Trafficking Fund. Today, however, I’m going to take a slight departure from my regular blog entries with regards to the anti-trafficking movement, and focus on Haiti. Seven seconds on January 12, 2010 made an impact on millions of lives – impact ranging from mass deaths, to 1.5 million estimated homeless in this Region. Like you, I was absolutely devastated by the news of the earthquake, and the tragic impact it has made on the Haitian people.
GVN, founded and headed by Colin Salisbury, is sponsoring a team of GVN relief specialists into Haiti this week (thanks to a private organization providing air support into Haiti). The recommendations coming from the initial assessment team will drive the GVN Haitian re-building/support volunteer projects for the next 12-18 months. Heading the relief team is Nadine McNeil (amazing woman), GVN Foundation Board Member who has over 20 years experience working in the UN, including a three year assignment in Indonesia following the 2004 tsunami. Last week, I was asked by Nadine to accompany her with this team to Haiti. I feel absolutely privileged to serve in this way, and be part of this initial assessment team on behalf of GVN. It’s truly an honor to be working with an organization that has been so fast to act, and has committed time, money and resources to the rebuilding and support of Haiti.
That said, this blog entry will be my last one until I return. On the day of my departure, I’m overwhelmed with the images I’ve been seeing on CNN – the suffering on the ground, the unbelievable resilience of the Haitian people, and the support of the global community in the rebuilding and stabilization of this Region. It was mentioned to me by a GVN staffer who has been in contact with a Haitian NGO on the ground to “pretend we are going to the moon….there is no place on earth like it…” The Haitian people need us now and I’m prepared, along with GVN, to do everything in my power to provide support, in every capacity I can. I’m proud to be working alongside Colin, Nadine, her amazing crew to bring relief to Haiti, not just now, but over the long-term. Upon my return, I will also continue the work towards the Anti-Trafficking Fund. Expect BIG things for the ATF in 2010!
I urge you to help today so we can support the 3 million survivors in desperate need: http://www.gvnfundraising.org/cause/Haitidisasterrelief
I urge you to help today so we can support the 3 million survivors in desperate need: http://www.gvnfundraising.org/cause/Haitidisasterrelief
Please help GVN raise further funds by spreading the word about the emergency appeal to your friends, family, and social networks. You can forward a link to our fundraising page (http://www.gvnfundraising.org/cause/Haitidisasterrelief ) in an email or Facebook message to let your family and friends know about the appeal. I also urge you to consider volunteering on the re-building/support projects through GVN.
Off to the airport. Ready to roll.
A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
Off to the airport. Ready to roll.
A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
