100% for Haiti was conceived as a way for artists and craftspeople to contribute to good causes helping in the reconstruction of Haiti after the January quake, as we near our first year we have been able to not only send funds to three good organisations doing that work, but also to undertake the rebuilding of a school and community centre!
We asked if artists would contribute to a Benefit for Haiti – so that those of us who are inspired to create art by all of life, and sometimes also by death and destruction around us, can also give to those who are suffering, though we may not have much spare money ourselves. Many of you responded immediately with your willingness to help, and a committee was formed to achieve this! The benefits to the VI and wider Caribbean artist community include enhancing publicity for individual and collective artwork, promoting the VI and Caribbean as an art-destination, allowing a range of professional and part-time artists and craftsmen to contribute other than by cash donation to the relief effort and other humanitarian objectives in Haiti, and enhancing Caribbean solidarity.
100% For Haiti’s Committee:
Peter Dybing (Logistics and Disaster Response, publicity)
Philippa Forward (fundraiser, organiser, treasurer)
Andre McBean (fundraiser, artist)
Bob McDaniel (art curator, collector)
Mandy Thody (artist, organiser, secretary, web co-ordinator)
SCHOOL INITIATIVE: We would like to commit to rebuild the IMECT school, class by class over a period of years, and to arrange for a well or piped water, proper school furniture, lunches and supplies. This can be achieved with relatively small sums, starting with $1000 a month to run the school and a cost of approximately $10 000 per classroom built. We will also be training teachers to a higher standard, supplying first aid kits and training, providing facilities for extra-curricula and adult education, contact with volunteers from other countries, computer technology, and as much more as possible to allieviate the appalling conditions in the local community.
SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE: 100% for Haiti is also committed to providing one scholarship per annum to a deserving Haitian under 21 years old, to attend higher education where he or she would otherwise have no chance of doing so, with a commitment to remain in and help their country. This will cost between $2000 and $4000 per annum depending on course of study.
