WATCH: Despite derogatory comments allegedly made by the U.S. president recently, volunteers gearing up for the trip to Haiti say people should continue to do their part. Luisa Alvarez reports.
More than eight years after a devastating earthquake killed and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti, the rebuilding continues and the City of Langford has been helping since the outset.
It took part in a project to help rebuild the Baby Jesus of Prague orphanage.
It’s an amazing experience to think you’re going down to give them something but in turn, the experience has given us something to reflect on for the rest of our lives,? said former Langford fire Chief and Rotary Club member Bob Beckett.
The West Shore Rotary Club has continued their involvement ever since.
Beckett has travelled to Haiti 15 times.
“They’re an amazingly resilient people,” said Beckett.
Now they’re planning another trip, this time to help rebuild another orphanage, a project they started in 2014 when 52 children were found living in a small home in desperate conditions.
?We’ve provided them with security, we’ve provided them with the nourishment. We’ve given them and helped them out with their education but most importantly we are making them self-sufficient so they aren’t reliant on anyone,? said Beckett.
The trip comes as Haiti finds itself back in the spotlight as the target of alleged derogatory comments made by the US President Donald Trump.
But volunteers instead want to focus on a more positive outlook for the country.
“It’s unfortunate that we hear remarks as we did this week coming out of the White House because we do have a responsibility to help those less fortunate,” said Beckett.
They say such hateful rhetoric won’t interfere with their continued humanitarian work.
“They have so little yet when you watch them deal with the other kids in the orphanage, they’re helpful, they’re loving, they are so kind to each other, they are a real team, so we want to make sure we send that message that Canadians care,” said volunteer and former RCMP officer Bruce Brown.
Now, the volunteers are asking for your help. They need donations to help fund the project
They cover the costs of their own trips so every dollar raised goes to help the orphanage.
To donate, you can go online or drop a cheque off at Glenwood meats in Langford.
Luisa Alvarez
