Issue 12 // June // 2012

Haven Newsletter

Issue 12 // June 2012

This Issue Welcome // Build it Week 2012 // On The Ground In Haiti // Volunteer Profile // Haven Spreads It’s Reach // Upcoming Events

Issue 12 // June // 2012

Welcome to Haven’s Summer Newsletter,

As things start to quieten down around the country as the summer months set in, we want to gear things up! We’ve plenty of events going on in Ireland so please come along to whatever you can and support us.

We’re also thrilled to be announcing details of our next Build It Week, departing in November and again partnering up with Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. We’re looking for volunteers to take up the challenge so get your fundraising boots on!

As always times are tough on the ground in Haiti and we continue to devote all our efforts to providing shelter, water and sanitation solutions, and training to vulnerable families throughout Haiti. I’m delighted to announce during the last quarter we’ve received grants from Concern Worldwide and Irish Aid for our recovery shelter and WatSan programmes in Haiti.

To date we have helped over 100,000 people. We could not achieve these results without your commitment, generosity and ongoing support. In difficult times like these we appreciate it all the more.

Happy Reading...

Anne Maguire

CEO, HAVEN

Welcome

Issue 12 // June // 2012

Our next Build It Week is departing on November 23rd until December 2nd and we are looking for 90 enthusiastic volunteers to take up the challenge!

The weeklong trip will be in conjunction with the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, run by Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers will be travelling to Léogâne where they will spend the week constructing 100 homes for vulnerable families in the region, many of whom were left homeless following the devastating earthquake of January 2010.

Build it WeekNovember 2012

The weather will be hot and the work will be heavy, but the experience will be life changing. Volunteers who travel on the one week programme fundraise €4,500 to cover all transport, accommodation, food and the cost of materials for one house. During the week, volunteers are part of different teams including construction, painting, catering – to name but a few. Even if you have never lifted a hammer in your life, there’s a worthwhile role for you!

To find out more about how you can help change a family’s life in Haiti while also meeting amazing volunteers from all over the world please see www.havenpartnership.com or contact Cathy Brooks on (01) 6815443.

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T O D A Y

Issue 12 // June // 2012

Volunteers Recap on a Memorable Time... Build it Week May 2012Orla Crowe and Dermot Heffernan look back on the Week that Was

It’s a small thing that outlives a man. I was somewhat sceptical signing up to Haven’s volunteering expedition to Haiti initially. What difference can one really make in a week? Plenty, as I discovered. I was privileged to work with the most hardworking and charitable team of people during that week.The first team managed to carry out much needed work to the local school – building a washing area, a flower bed, clearing a safe area for the pupils to play and building an outdoor seating area. Most importantly, ramps were built in order that the disabled children could access the school and walls were erected to prevent the classrooms from flooding during heavy rainfall.

A boat shelter and a ‘Donkey Car Park’ were also erected near the small docking area by another team and a large welcome sign to everyone coming to the Island of Ile a Vache.The remainder of the teams dedicated themselves to the mammoth task of creating a soccer pitch and basketball court - with a lovely garden dividing both.

Our team had the rather enviable task of painting all the hard work of others (though we did lend a hand to the other teams when required!).

While the work was self-fulfilling and really seemed to have made a difference to the community of Ile a Vache, judging by their response during the build, my unexpected lasting memory is the remarkable hope and unfailing good spirit of the Haitians in the face of such poverty and devastation.

From my good friend Olu, who called me his sister and who dreams of becoming a champion rapper, to my teammate Chevane, who longs to go to University and become a teacher in order for him to return one day

to educate all children on Ile a Vache. To the minders in the orphanage who dedicate their lives to the children. To the ever-optimistic children who kept us company each day as their guardians could not afford to send them to school. To the lovely Doctor Jean, whose dedication (as sole doctor to the 15,000 inhabitants of the island) will truly make a difference in this world.

While I left Ireland contemplating what contribution I could make in Haiti, I returned knowing the effect which the Haitian humanity and spirit of community had on me.

A privilege that shall outlive this man.

– Orla Crowe

Brenda Bierley and Joy Daly spend time with some of the local children on Ile a Vache

Orla Crowe, hard at work on Ile a Vache

Issue 12 // June // 2012

Our trip to Ile a Vache (Island of the cows) off the South coast was a very different experience to my previous two trips to Haiti. We were a very small group of 45 compared to the other trips (to Goniave and Léogâne) of about 300 and we were in a very rural environment with comparatively little security. The island itself is very green and the local people very open and friendly. There was a genuine sense of welcome.

The three main tasks we were given, as a group, were to paint the local school, install wheelchair ramps to make the school accessible to disabled children and to create two play areas (a 5 a side football pitch and a volleyball/basketball area) for the kids to play on. The work was tough, as usual, but the boat ride to and from work each day made it bearable. By the end of our week, with all our tasks completed, it was wonderful to see what we had achieved. The school, which had been in very poor condition looked fantastic with all classrooms painted and ramps built.

We received a wonderful send off from the whole school as they came out to say “thank you”. It was quite a sight in their school uniforms of brown skirts/trousers and bright yellow shirts and all the girls had yellow ribbons in their hair. The older ones sang for us and when they finished the smallest ones gathered around to play with us for a while.

I will always have wonderful memories of Ile a Vache and not just because of the locals or the work we did. Within the Haven group I met some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met, hardworking people who cared enough to try to make a difference to people who need our help.

– Dermot Heffernan

All Build it Week photos are courtesy of Ricardo S. Louis.

Volunteer ProfileHere’s a quirky new profile section to introduce readers to our many Haven volunteers! First up is Riona Mulhall, who travelled on the November 2011 Build It Week.

What’s your party piece?I’m an amateur Magician (at parties I can make alcohol, and sometimes people, disappear!)

Your most annoying trait?I talk too much

If you were an actor/actress, who would you be?Kathy Bates - in Misery (have a tendency to stalk celebrities)

Favourite subject in school? Home Economics- but in my practicals I seemed to eat more than I actually produced

First live concert you went to?Waren G - had a R&B phase in my young adolescence

Favourite joke?Why do they call it a “building”? It looks like they’re finished. Why isn’t it a “built”? – Jerry Seinfeld

What animal do you most identify with? A horse as we both have long noses and like......apples

Dream dinner date?George Clooney

One item you could not live without on a desert island?iPhone

Super hero power of choice?Invisibility

Noel Ryan and Dermot Heffernan ensure the work of the volunteers will last a long time.

George Hook takes a turn at the hard slog as volunteer Paul Gould looks on

Volunteers Keep Busy for Haiti

Mags Doyle’s annual bbq was a great success – well done Mags!

The H Factor, organised by Orla Dempsey and Adrian Gary showed off plenty of talent in Peadar Kearneys on Dame Street.

Issue 12 // June // 2012

HavenOutside Ireland

A Concert with the Ulster Orchestra and The Priests at The Waterfront Hall, Belfast

Haven is delighted to announce its first major fundraiser in Northern Ireland – a spectacular concert in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast on Saturday, 13th October. The line-up, including the Ulster Orchestra and The Priests, is bound to provide an awe-inspiring performance and all proceeds from ticket sales are going directly towards Haven’s vital work on the ground in Haiti.

Guests can benefit from a number of packages on the night. These include:

Package 1 – Pre-Concert Gala Dinner at the Hilton Hotel; Reserved Auditorium Seating; After Show Party with Live Entertainment.

Package 2 – Pre-Concert Drinks Reception; Reserved Auditorium Seating; After Show Party with Live Entertainment.

For more information on these packages please contact Linda on 028 9099 2458 or email mail@havenpartnership.com

Regular tickets can be purchased for £35 per person and are available through The Waterfront Hall – Tel: 028 9033 4400 or online www.waterfront.co.uk

Northern Ireland Haven U.S.

3rd Prize, Team Name: The Irish Voice, Elizabeth Mangan, Yang Gurung, Kevin Mangan, Sarah Fitzpatrick (Haven US) and Fr. Duggan

1st Prize, Team Name: Irish Pub, Eugene Rooney, John Power, Charlie Kowoski

2rd Prize, Team Name: None, Moira Carroll, Robert Hoch, Cynthia Turner, Tom Hubbard

Golf Classic, Garrison Golf Club, New York

Haven’s first major US fundraising event took place on May 31st in the beautiful surrounds of the Garrison Golf Club, New York. Over a hundred supporters joined us on the sunny day and helped raise over $40,000 for Haven’s work in Haiti.

First prize on the day went to the Irish Pub team made up of Eugene Rooney, John Power and Charlie Kowoski; Second prize to Moira Carroll, Robert Hoch, Cynthia Turner, Tom Hubbard; and third prize went to The Irish Voice Team made up of Elizabeth Mangan, Yang Gurung and Kevin Mangan.

Issue 12 // June // 2012

Attending the handover were many members of the community and elected members of Ouanaminthe’s new committee. The main committee is supported by sub committees that focus on water, sanitation, security, the playground and health.

Following the implementation of a successful exit strategy, Haven’s Community Development Officer will remain in contact with the central committee at regular intervals.

New Educational Development In Goniaves

There are very high hopes in Goniaves with the news that the Digicel Foundation is commencing the build of a new school on the site of Mourne Blanc. Local community

Livelihoods Programme Gears Up for Action

A livelihoods programme in Goniaves, funded by Irish Aid, has got off to a successful start with over 200 people already attending different trainings.

The programme to date consists of hygiene promotion training, family planning, and conflict resolution workshops. In the coming weeks, training sessions in sewing and boat making will also form an integral part of the programme.

WATSAN programmes go from strength to strength

Haven continues to develop its expertise in the provision of water and sanitation (WATSAN) with the approval by Irish Aid for a substantial grant that will facilitate the provision of water and hygiene training to local schools in the Gressier area.

We have also recently constructed two new rain water harvesting systems in the community of Goniaves. Due to the location, the community often experiences difficulty accessing clean water. It is hoped that these, in addition to the installation of a new well, will ease water constraints.

Handover Ceremony in Ouanaminthe

Haven was delighted to officially handover the community of Ouanaminthe to the newly elected committee and residents. Ouanaminthe was Haven’s first programme in Haiti where 196 families have been provided with homes, water and sanitation facilities and community development programmes have been provided. The community development emphasis on this programme ensures the sustainability of the community long-term.

On the Ground Programme Updates

A young boy in Ouanaminthe, where Haven recently completed a Community Handover Ceremony

A new latrine built as part of Haven’s WATSAN programmes

members have been hired to work on the construction of the school and it is envisaged it will be ready to commence classes during the 2012/2013 school year.

New Project in Port-au-Prince

Haven will commence its first urban builds in Port-au-Prince thanks to funding received through the World Bank. Haven will also be implement community development programmes in the area.

Haven will also be commencing further urban builds in conjunction with J/P HRO and house repairs with Concern.

Issue 12 // June // 2012

Annual Haven Luncheon, CorkMoran Silver Springs Hotel, September 14th

Haven’s Annual Cork Luncheon will take place this year on Friday, September 14th. As with our previous Luncheons, it will be a fantastic afternoon with entertainment from some of Ireland’s top sports stars. Keep an eye on the Haven website for ticket details.

The Haiti ConcertWaterfront Hall, Belfast, October 13th

In one of the most exciting line-ups of the year The Priests and the Ulster Orchestra will combine forces in aid of Haiti. This is bound to be a thrilling evening – tickets are priced at £35 and there are packages available – all details are available overleaf

Nationwide –Collectors Wanted

Haven has bucket collections going on all over the country this summer. But we are in desperate need of bucket shakers! If you’re interested in giving an hour or two of your time to help raise money for Haiti please contact the office. Events where collections are organised for include many of our top summer festivals. Even giving an hour of your time at these events is very helpful. We cannot emphasise how important these collections are to maintain our vital work in Haiti.

The Dock DipRelay Race, July 6th 1pm

A lunchtime treat is in store for those working in the Grand Canal Docklands as the first ever Haven Canal Swim will take place on July 6th at 1pm. We’re looking for corporate teams of three in the area to jump in so if you and you’re colleagues are interested, let us know and you can make a splash for Haiti.

The race kicks off outside the Ocean Cafe Bar. The winning team will receive Stand Up Paddling lessons from Surfdock so your dip in the canal for Haven need not be your last one!

Ocean Volvo RaceGalway, 30th June – 8th July

If you are attending this renowned event in Galway this year, please visit the Haven stand. We’ll have staff on hand to tell you about Haiti and how you can get involved through volunteering or fundraising. You’ll also be in with a chance to win a volunteer place on our November Build It Week in Haiti!

Haven Golf Classic, June 29th 2012Castle Golf Club, Rathfarnham

The Annual Haven Golf Classic, is taking place on June 29th at the Castle Golf course in Rathfarnham, Dublin. A shot gun start at 2pm, will be complimented with on course ‘fun’ activities such as longest shot, beat the pro and closest to the pin.

Teams of four are €800 and you can also sponsor a tee box for €300.

Dinner will be served in the Castle Golf Club, and the evening will be MC’d by former International Rugby player and commentator, Jim Glennon. The dinner and evening entertainment option only is available for €80.

The Laya Healthcare Street Performance Festival, Merrion Square, Saturday 21st July

Haven will have a stand at this family fun festival and we will have our very own funfair game to play. There are plenty of exciting prizes to be won and we will be located just outside the park, so come and say hi!

Upcoming EventsSummer 2012

Haven The Malthouse, South Block, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 681 5440 Email: info@havenpartnership.com

Fax: +353 (01) 686 4868 Web: www.havenpartnership.com

Incorporated in Ireland. Company Number: 465787. Haven is a Registered Charity CHY 18494, Ireland. A Company Limited by Guarantee.

For more information on any of these

events please contact the Haven office

(01) 6815442 or email Bo Mulligan at

bo.mulligan@havenpartnership.com