A local nonprofit that’s helped spread the message of self-sustainability in Haiti is raising funds for their next big project.
Lake City-based “Hands for Haiti” has been helping those in need in central Haiti with food, schooling, health, and agriculture since 2010.
Now, the nonprofit is raising $10,000 to purchase much needed water tanks for the farms, and one of their members, Jack Winkel, is spreading awareness of the fundraiser by getting in the water himself.
“He really is focused on what our mission is, and he’s kind of making it his mission also,” said Debbi Gischia, Executive Director for Hands for Haiti.
Jack Winkel has volunteered with Hands for Haiti in the past. While in Haiti, he experienced something incredible.
“When I woke up in the morning at 6:00, it was barely light out, and I heard noise outside,” said Winkel. “It was the farmers on the side of the mountains trying to farm with hoes and pickaxes.”
As a farmer himself, he knew he wanted to do something to help them.
“One of the big challenges is during the dry season. It’s just very, very difficult for them,” said Gischia. “I had a meeting with the farmers last year and we were trying to brainstorm on how to help them during this dry season. It came up where we could install water tanks in the different regions that we work in.”
That was the perfect way for Winkel to show his support: to raise awareness for the fundraiser, he wanted to swim across Lake Missaukee.
“That was really special to us when Jack came to me and said, ‘I would really, really love to do this,'” said Gischia. “That really, of course, just warms my heart.”
While the recent earthquake didn’t affect the farmers in the central portion of the country, the nonprofit would like to get the water tanks out as soon as possible.
“This is very, very important that we are able to provide this for them,” said Gischia “They will be able to provide for their family members that are directly affected by the earthquake.”
And for Winkel, he wasn’t concerned about the journey, it was really about helping the Haitians in need.
“It’s a very difficult life and hopefully we can make it better for them,” he said. “If I can do that by swimming across the lake, I’m all in.”
To donate to Hands for Haiti’s cause, you can do so on , , or send a check to 7421 West Blue Rd., Lake City, MI 49651.
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