Hurricane Relief for Haiti

By Mark Bacon

No, this is not a sports post. It is a Human Post. An appeal to all of you to reach into your hearts and souls, and help the people of Haiti in the devastating wake of Hurricane Matthew.

As many of you know, on January 12, 2010, a devastating earthquake rocked the capitol of Haiti, Port-au-Prince. The island nation was totally unprepared for such calamity, and so poor, that the resources simply did not—and do not—exist for them to adequately cope with the aftermath. The situation there today is still grim. Not much has changed for the better. For the worse? Yes. Cholera, a disease that is pretty treatable, is widespread. For all the world, it seems like every nation has more or less turned their collective backs on the continuing problems there. A true 21st Century tragedy.

This week, another devastating natural disaster struck Haiti head on; Hurricane Matthew smashed into the impoverished island nation as a category 4 hurricane. As of this writing, over 435 people are dead. The death toll will certainly climb, perhaps double.

I made to Haiti in May, 2010. I traveled to Port-au-Prince, Petitionville and Croix-de-Bouquet, Haiti, to try and make a small difference in the lives of students there, and elsewhere. It taught me a lot. Especially about the meaning of the word “profound.” It WAS a profoundly moving experience.
Today, I wanted to remind people that things are still very bad there, and they need our help. There are many ways to do that.

I have registered with All Hands Volunteers (hands.org) to go to Haiti and directly assist in hurricane recovery efforts. I need your help; help with airfare. I have established a Go Fund Me page to raise money purely for my airfare to and from Haiti. Additional funds will be given to relief efforts on the ground, be it purchasing a wheelbarrow or water. The need for help is widespread and beyond comprehension.

It is a mission of mine to raise the level of quality of life for the citizens of the island nation. I am personally baffled as to why the Western Hemisphere turns its back on the country. Think about it: We have it good in our hemisphere. There are two main languages (Spanish and English; yes, French and Portuguese are also spoken, but the plurality of languages is not like the polyglot of the Eastern Hemisphere.) We have two main religions: Christianity and Paganism. We are all relatively blessed with natural riches.

And, with the exception of the treatment of the Venezuelan, Haitian, and until recently, Cuban governments, we all get along. My dream is a hemisphere united and in possession of the basic materials we all need to live: water, food and shelter.

I am but one person. My efforts are small. But I know they make a difference. And in the near future, The Main Event Sports Foundation will be rolling up our sleeves to assist Haiti in terms of quality of life, though sports. But for now, the clean up and rescue missions are paramount.

Will you please consider helping me raise the money I need to purchase airfare to Haiti and help in Hurricane Matthew Recovery Efforts? Please visit my Go Fund Me page: gofundme.com/2t7dgvq8

Thank you very much. Blessings and peace to you all.

Pray for Haiti.