It has been the lead story on every television newscast since it happened. The radio waves and pages of our newspapers are filled with stories of the absolute devastation of Haiti and the lives of many of the tiny country's citizens. As always, committed people in communities around this great country - people who have little connection, other than their hearts are broken over another human's loss - band together and do what they can to help those in need put their lives and their country back together again.
Although thousands of kilometres away, people in Snow Lake will do their part acting upon an idea by retired teacher Alan Beilman to hold a community coffeehouse, with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity's Haiti Response.
Beilman says that the "Coffeehouse for Haiti" will be held March 6 and that much of the organizing is still in the early stage. He adds that the reason it won't be held any earlier is because it would conflict with several Snow Lake bonspiels and some out-of-town commitments on his part. "Unfortunately our coffeehouse will miss the window set by the government for matching funds," said Beilman. "Nevertheless, I assume it will not be until March before the rebuilding can begin in Haiti.
"The current emergency demands our attention," he continued. "And many people have already given generously for food, water, medical supplies, and temporary shelters; but this particular fundraiser is for long-term reconstruction, which is why I chose the charity I did (Habitat for Humanity)."
As for the venue for the fundraiser, the organizer says that he is waiting for official confirmation from the town in relation to free use of the Lawrie Marsh Community Hall. "I am assured that this will be just a formality, but I cannot definitely state where the venue is until I have confirmation," he advised.
On the entertainment front, there are three confirmations thus far; they are the talented and humorous Tony Butt, honey-throated Bev Krul, and Beilman himself, who is a worthy balladeer in his own right. "There are a number of maybes and I am waiting on them with confidence as they at least have not said no," Beilman noted optimistically. "I am hoping with all kinds of contractors and geologists around that there will be one or two who like music and would be willing to perform."
All the same, Beilman says that he has had a good response from the local school. A number of the high school teacher and students have volunteered to bake, create PowerPoint presentation, serve, make posters, and help to set up. "As is usually the case in Snow Lake, once a person gets the ball rolling, all sorts of people are willing to help. It is a comforting reassurance about the basic goodness of people," said Beilman.
The charity that will receive the funds from this event, Habitat for Humanity Canada, is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.
In addition to this worthy project, there are two other Haitian fundraisers that will be passing the generosity of Snow Lakers on to those affected by the tragic Jan. 12 earthquake. They are the Anglican-United Church's Ukrainian Supper, which sent all proceeds from that event to several church based relief agencies, and the J.H. Kerr School student council; they will donate all proceeds from their Feb. 11 Valentine Dance to Haitian Relief.
