The Ice-maker (Haiti Fundraiser)
Donation protected
Help me Bring an Ice-maker to Anse-à-Pitres, Haïti. Help me empower and change lives (Scroll down to “Grants”, second to last paragraph).
You might be aware of the denationalization/deportation crisis many Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent are currently facing or might even remember the frenzy it caused in the media a year ago. However, do you know what happened to many of these people? Probably not. Then, I’d strongly suggest you to check out this article http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/magazine/haitians-in-exile-in-the-dominican-republic.html?_r=0 .
The area mentioned in the article, Anse-à-Pitres (Ansapit in Creole), is one of the major border-crossing zones on the island; and therefore one of the most impacted by the crisis. In addition, Ansapit lacks the infrastructures to accommodate the returnee populations (very few people have access to electricity there; and those who do, have solar panels). After months of research and a trip to Ansapit, I realized that one of the most effective ways to help alleviate their suffering is to bring an economic engine to the town, especially after some 300 displaced families were relocated to Ansapit.
Thanks to the important role of the fishing industry in the local economy, an ice-maker, producing ice on a daily basis, would generate crucial funds for projects aimed at providing basic services to the displaced families while also creating employment.
An engineer in the states has helped me design a solar system to make the ice-maker run purely on solar energy. A social entrepreneur, a local team and a couple of grassroots organizations (FODEC and Social Tap) have been advising and aiding me with community organizing, so that the people of Ansapit all play a role in protecting all the equipment; fully aware that the project is for them. As a result, the project is sustainable in terms of energy and durability. There will be a committee of surveillance composed of community leaders representing different interests (i.e fishermen, displaced families, local authorities) that will ensure the safekeeping of all the equipment; and collectively help manage the funds generated.
Unfortunately, the majority of the equipment I need will have to be imported. That means, I have to pay for freight shipping to Haiti, customs clearance fees and import duties. A grant from Wesleyan University’s Refugee Initiative has helped me secure almost 80% of the funds that I need to make this happen. Not only have I worked on this project in Haiti for the past two months, I have also used almost of all my savings ($1,500) to support my endeavors.
But now I need you to help me raise the remaining funds. $2,200, after gofundme gets its cut ($264), will not only ensure the safe delivery of the machine and everything I need to power it but also:
1) pay an engineer to set up the ice-maker and related equipment
2) lease a plot of land and purchase a refurbished container to house the ice-maker
3) Pay for any necessary construction
4) And lastly, guarantee the first month’s funds for the 4 people working shifts to operate the machine, sell the ice, and provide security.
I know we’re living in very tough economic times. But ANYTHING helps. Even half of the goal will be of INCREDIBLE help! Thanks and God bless!
Links to most of the equipment I’ll need:
a. Ice-maker: http://tamutom.com/urunler/liste/EN/1
b. Powerpack: https://www.bioennopower.com/collections/mobile-power-station/products/4000-w-hr-power-pack-bpp-4000p
c. Solar panels: https://www.altestore.com/store/solar-panels/solarworld-345-watt-solar-panel-sunmodule-sw345-mono-v40-frame-p40495/
You might be aware of the denationalization/deportation crisis many Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent are currently facing or might even remember the frenzy it caused in the media a year ago. However, do you know what happened to many of these people? Probably not. Then, I’d strongly suggest you to check out this article http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/magazine/haitians-in-exile-in-the-dominican-republic.html?_r=0 .
The area mentioned in the article, Anse-à-Pitres (Ansapit in Creole), is one of the major border-crossing zones on the island; and therefore one of the most impacted by the crisis. In addition, Ansapit lacks the infrastructures to accommodate the returnee populations (very few people have access to electricity there; and those who do, have solar panels). After months of research and a trip to Ansapit, I realized that one of the most effective ways to help alleviate their suffering is to bring an economic engine to the town, especially after some 300 displaced families were relocated to Ansapit.
Thanks to the important role of the fishing industry in the local economy, an ice-maker, producing ice on a daily basis, would generate crucial funds for projects aimed at providing basic services to the displaced families while also creating employment.
An engineer in the states has helped me design a solar system to make the ice-maker run purely on solar energy. A social entrepreneur, a local team and a couple of grassroots organizations (FODEC and Social Tap) have been advising and aiding me with community organizing, so that the people of Ansapit all play a role in protecting all the equipment; fully aware that the project is for them. As a result, the project is sustainable in terms of energy and durability. There will be a committee of surveillance composed of community leaders representing different interests (i.e fishermen, displaced families, local authorities) that will ensure the safekeeping of all the equipment; and collectively help manage the funds generated.
Unfortunately, the majority of the equipment I need will have to be imported. That means, I have to pay for freight shipping to Haiti, customs clearance fees and import duties. A grant from Wesleyan University’s Refugee Initiative has helped me secure almost 80% of the funds that I need to make this happen. Not only have I worked on this project in Haiti for the past two months, I have also used almost of all my savings ($1,500) to support my endeavors.
But now I need you to help me raise the remaining funds. $2,200, after gofundme gets its cut ($264), will not only ensure the safe delivery of the machine and everything I need to power it but also:
1) pay an engineer to set up the ice-maker and related equipment
2) lease a plot of land and purchase a refurbished container to house the ice-maker
3) Pay for any necessary construction
4) And lastly, guarantee the first month’s funds for the 4 people working shifts to operate the machine, sell the ice, and provide security.
I know we’re living in very tough economic times. But ANYTHING helps. Even half of the goal will be of INCREDIBLE help! Thanks and God bless!
Links to most of the equipment I’ll need:
a. Ice-maker: http://tamutom.com/urunler/liste/EN/1
b. Powerpack: https://www.bioennopower.com/collections/mobile-power-station/products/4000-w-hr-power-pack-bpp-4000p
c. Solar panels: https://www.altestore.com/store/solar-panels/solarworld-345-watt-solar-panel-sunmodule-sw345-mono-v40-frame-p40495/
Organizer
Fritzgi Dessources
Organizer
Immokalee, FL