The Fort Lauderdale - Cap Haitien Sister Cities Committee, in partnership with the Haitian American Business Council, collected over 100,000 pounds of food, clothing and medical supplies for distribution in Haiti to thousands whose lives were affected by Hurricane Jeanne floods in September 2004. Volunteers sorted and packed donations, then loaded them into containers at a warehouse provided by Caribbean American Shipping Corporation and sent them to Haiti.

A lot of planning went into the effort. The committee visited flood-affected regions around Gonaives that were devastated after the storm. They saw houses swept away and fields bare. They quickly realized that both the urban and rural populations of 300,000+ will need assistance for a long time. They met with priests and pastors from many faiths who agreed to distribute food, blankets and farm hand tools.

They also received help, in the form of food, medical supplies, flashlights with batteries, blankets, and tax-deductible monetary donations from other sister cities around the U.S.

As a result of the success of this program the community is launching a new program called "Farm Tools for Haiti." A $12 donation will buy a pick, shovel or hoe, which will help to provide small farmers and workers with the means to earn a living and aid clean-up efforts. If you are interested in becoming involved in this and future Ft. Lauderdale-Cap Haitien projects contact Anthony Marchelli at 954.525.1717.

For more photos visit the project photo gallery!