‘I see the difference I can make’
New Waterford woman returning to Haiti to lend a helping hand
A local teacher is just days away from boarding a plane bound for Haiti — her second trip to the country in as many years.
Heather Kearney, a resident of New Waterford, first volunteered last summer at an orphanage and school in Deschapelles, Haiti, which is operated by Hands Across the Sea, a registered Canadian charity.
Kearney first heard about the organization through a family member and got in contact with officials in Haiti last year, eager to visit the site and volunteer.
While there last summer, Kearney, an English teacher at Breton Education Centre, did some teaching, helped out with maintenance work, and did activities with the kids.
“For me, it’s something I love to do because I see the difference I can make in these children’s lives, whether it’s teaching them English, or sometimes just being there to give them hugs, play soccer or basketball, or even to sit and let the girls braid my hair,” she said. “But I definitely learn as much from them just by being in their presence. Most Haitian people are incredibly poor, and these kids don’t have a lot, but their spirits are bright and they are hopeful, despite all the challenges they face.”
Kearney said she was really glad she went last summer but noted that it was “hard on the heart” to say goodbye to the kids. So she is returning this summer for nine days, Aug. 7-16, paying her own way to volunteer her time.
“I’m very lucky to be able to make these trips to Haiti. It’s certainly a different way to spend nine days of summer vacation,” she said. “I’m excited to see how the kids have grown in a year.”
Kearney has received support from the Rotary Clubs in Sydney and New Waterford, as well as the Connor Timmons Memorial Soccer Tournament,
“I’m very lucky to be able to make these trips to Haiti. It’s certainly a different way to spend nine days of summer vacation. I’m excited to see how the kids have grown in a year.” Heather Kearney
and is welcoming donations from Cape Bretoners who would like to support the Hands Across the Sea charity. All donations she receives she will take directly to those who run the facility in Deschapelles, to be used for their most urgent needs.
Kearney said monetary donations are welcome and Kearney also has information on some specific items that people can purchase for the facility. For more information or to make a donation contact Kearney by phone at 902-862-9193 or by email to hkearney27@gmail.com.
“It’s one of those cases where every dollar helps,” she said.
For more information on Hands Across the Sea, visit their website at www.hatshaiti.org.