Annually in October, Hope for Haiti’s Public Health Program participates in Global Handwashing Day (GHD), a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of washing hands with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives (GHD, 2017).
Recently, we sat down with our Public Health Nurse Claudine Francois to learn more about the Public Health Program and why we’re observing Global Handwashing Day for the third time. Francois told us two of the biggest health concerns in Haiti are the air pollution and the children’s belief that “germs cannot hurt them,” which she says leads many to not adhere to basic principles of personal hygiene, like handwashing. On Global Handwashing Day, Hope for Haiti staff works to make the activities as fun as they are informative by giving educational lessons, singing songs about handwashing, and distributing handwashing kits to participants. The children then return to their communities to spread the word on healthy hygiene behaviors!
Just $50 will purify 500,000 gallons of water for a family of five. Donate today!
Hurricane Matthew: One Year Later
On October 4, 2016, Hurricane Matthew made landfall in southern Haiti, the base of Hope for Haiti’s operations. It was because of YOU, that our team was able to mobilize quickly with food, water, and other relief supplies to save lives. Since that devastation, we have invested nearly $1 million into the recovery and long-term needs of our partner schools and communities. To take a look back at our efforts and the impact of your support, please view the short video below.
Hope for Haiti Receives Top Marks!
For the 10th year, Hope for Haiti has received a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the country’s premier independent charity evaluator. We received this rating due to our sound fiscal management and proven commitment to accountability and transparency. We also earned the GuideStar “Platinum Seal of Transparency”, which showcases the progress we’ve made over the years towards our mission, and the “Intelligent Philanthropy” certificate from Excellence in Giving.
Thank you to our staff, board members, generous sponsors and partners for helping us achieve these honors! To learn more about each and see our profiles, please click here.
Get Involved! Upcoming Events
Harvesting Hope Celebration – Stamford, CT
There are a few remaining tickets for the Annual Harvesting Hope Celebration in Stamford, CT on October 19th. This year’s honorees include The Herbert & Nell Singer Foundation, MedShare, and Stamford Health. Act quickly, and click here to make your reservation today.
J. McLaughlin Sip & Shop – Naples, FL
Enjoy sips and light refreshments while you shop J. McLaughlin’s fall collection and support Hope for Haiti! From 11am-3pm on October 27th at their Venetian Village location, 15% of all sales will be donated to Hope for Haiti. To learn more, please click here.
Annual Food Packing Event – Naples, FL
There is no doubt that your presence is needed at our 7th Annual Emergency Relief Food Packing Event on December 2, 2017. Please save the date and join us to make a difference for our neighbors in Haiti. Hosted by the Hope for Haiti Next Generation Board, the goal is to raise $20,000 to pack 75,000 meals for distribution during an emergency. Each meal costs $.20. Each table has eight stations, or room for eight employees, friends, or family members to participate! For more information, please click here.