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HAITI. Just eight days after it was launched, Hand in Hand for Haiti, the travel retail industry initiative to help the reconstruction of the earthquake-ravaged country, has raised over US$1 million.
The project aims to build a primary school complex in an area of the country that needs it most, creating world-class educational facilities and opportunities for generations of Haitian children to come. The target for the first phase of development is US$1.5 million.
The Hand in Hand for Haiti foundation, currently in development, is a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization housed in the United States. It is being developed along the principles of strict governance, absolute transparency and strong financial discipline, with 100% of the funds raised going toward rebuilding projects in Haiti.
As reported, Hand in Hand for Haiti (www.HandinHandforHaiti.com) was launched on 3 February by an original Steering Committee comprising DFS Chairman and CEO Ed Brennan, Olivier Bottrie, President of The Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retail Worldwide and The Moodie Report Founder & Publisher Martin Moodie. More names, both from within and outside the industry (embracing specialist areas of expertise) will be announced soon.
Brennan, Bottrie and Moodie will be making a fact-finding mission to Haiti in early March as the project rapidly gathers pace.
A background brochure has been sent to hundreds of executives in the travel retail sector and airport community, together with a pledge form (both can be found on this page). Pledges should be made now and monies will be collected once the Foundation and bank accounts are established in coming weeks.
In a joint statement the Steering Committee Members said: “Travel retail has truly opened its collective heart to this appeal. We thank those who have given and urge those who have yet to contribute to help the people of Haiti in their darkest hour.
“Even those companies and individuals who have given generously to the original relief appeals are asked to make a secondary donation to this specific long-term industry initiative that will stand as a monument to travel retail’s great sense of compassion and international community.”
Donations have been pouring in during recent days, including a US$100,000 personal donation from a major industry figure who chose to remain anonymous. Scores of leading retailers and brand companies have also given generously, as have many private individuals. We will publish a regularly updated list of donations (other than those where anonymity has been requested) in the weeks ahead.
Click to view this important video that sets Hand in Hand for Haiti in its stark context Film by Isabelle Vervaille |
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Photographs: Nancy Roc |
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