Virginia Environmental Group supports Haiti Outreach with Clean Water Project
“Caring for Creation” is a group of members of Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk, Va, whose focus is on the environment. Located on a branch of the Elizabeth River, the group has been quite active in testing and improving water quality and planting marsh grass.
Member Paul Clancy visited Haiti several years ago as a journalist and saw first hand the daily struggle to obtain safe drinking water. It was his suggestion that they focus on Haiti. With their increased attention on water issues, Caring for Creation decided to focus this year on becoming involved in an international clean water project. “We did quite a bit of research about organizations we might partner with and unanimously chose Haiti Outreach”, explained Clancy.
This is the first time Caring for Creation has taken on a project like this. “Every dime of the funds we’re raising will go to Haiti Outreach. We’re hoping for $15,000 by the end of the year.” As of September 1st, they are at $10,000 and have a few more activities planned for this fall to raise the additional $5,000 needed to reach their goal.
Caring for Creation has chosen to adopt the community of Yayou. The money raised will be used to provide to the community development training and to drill the well. Pictured below is the current source of water for this community of 500 people.
Some of the interesting things Caring for Creation has done to raise money for Haiti Outreach include a musical performance, a plant and herb sale, a tap-water-only pledge, and a water bottle and reusable grocery bag sale. The group has also been very successful in producing birthday and anniversary cards that prompt parishioners to pledge their special days for the cause. The group has a table every Sunday at coffee hour where they promote the program and this fall, they are planning a “recycled treasures” event in which they’ll sell used items donated by church members and friends. A “Wine for Water” event will follow soon thereafter. If you’d like to learn more about how you can support Haiti Outreach thru “Caring for Creation”, please visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/210120495685456. If you’d like to learn more about how you can “adopt” a community and provide them with clean water, please go to www.haitioutreach.org/adopt-a-well/about-the-adopt-a-well-program.
