On January 12, 2010 a devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale struck Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people, leaving 2 million homeless and requiring 3 million in need of emergency aid. By far, this was the worst natural disaster in the Western Hemisphere during modern times. Although International governments and NGOs continue to orchestrate relief and rebuilding efforts, there is still a lot that needs to be done, much of which will take years if not an entire decade or more to complete. Yet, through this hell on Earth, the Haitian people survive.
Fact check: did you know that approximately 50% of the Haitian population is 21 years old and younger? That's right, 50% are essentially young adults and children. This is exactly why we decided to lend our hand through the "Dolls for Haiti" initiative. Despite the physical destruction of civic infrastructure children will find a way to be children: imagine, dream, role-play, play games, etc. And a toy black doll can help these children engage in this universal and healthy activity. Haiti really needs this generation of children to imagine themselves as a life-saving doctor through the doctor black doll, as an engineer through the engineer black doll, as a scientist through the scientist black doll... This is where Haiti's re-emergence lies, from within.
For the 2010 calendar year, we ask patrons and exhibitors who attend and participate in our shows to bring inexpensive toy black dolls for the children of Haiti. Our goal is 500 dolls! These dolls will be furnished to Yele Haiti as an in-kind donation and help augment the on-the-ground work this organization has been doing, even before the earthquake - Yele Haiti was founded by Grammy award winner Wyclef Jean and wife, Claudinette.
If you are unable to attend our shows but would like to donate an inexpensive toy black doll, we invite you to mail your donation directly to us. Our address can be found here.
Thank you in advance for supporting the Dolls for Haiti initiative and building today's imaginations for tomorrow's Haiti.