Haiti Field Coordinators to Raise Funds by Running Marathon

Eight months after returning from their first deployment to aid in Haiti's recovery efforts, Hope Force Reservists Rene and Marianne Lako recently resumed their work in the western hemisphere's poorest nation. Since a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti in January 2010, the Lakos and other HFI Reservists have been working toward recovery amidst threats of hurricanes, epidemics, and political turmoil. Over 230,000 lives were lost as a result of the earthquake, and an additional 6,000 people have died since October of last year when a cholera outbreak caused further problems for this troubled nation.

Rene and Marianne lived in Haiti for ten months after January's earthquake, and three weeks ago they returned to act as Hope Force field coordinators to assist in the recovery of Sous Savanne and the Leogane/Gressier area. "We work with kids and communities in a rural area west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The Leogane-Gressier area and the village of Sous Savanne were very close to the epicenter of the earthquake. More than 18 months after the earthquake, people are still suffering and living in difficult circumstances," Rene said. "Hope Force International wants to make a difference by working with specific communities. We have sent down medical teams, distributed tents and run a child sponsorship program. But we want to do more -- offering educational support, building much-needed homes and providing more health care through upcoming deployments." 

The Lako's means of transportation since their return to Haiti has been renting an old vehicle, which is both expensive and potentially unreliable. They are currently in need of a dependable car that can withstand the rough road conditions present in Haiti. Depending on what is available locally, this will cost anywhere from $10,000-$15,000.

In order to raise funds to meet this fundamental need, Rene will run a marathon this fall and Marianne a 10K race. Embracing the theme "Run the Race together and Run for Wheels in Haiti," they will complete the run in their home-province of Zeeland in The Netherlands. Both Rene and Marianne have run half and full marathons in the past, and they are currently training for this race as they represent Hope Force in Haiti. Marianne will participate in the 10K Ladies Run and Rene will run the Marathon Zeeland during the two-day event - September 30 and October 1. "It will be a beautiful, tough, windy marathon along the coast, beach and dunes of Zeeland," Rene said. "A personal reason for choosing this marathon is that it is on the exact date my father passed away last year. Marianne had planned to run the 10k but could not because of the death. My father always supported good causes, so I run this in his memory and to honor his life."

Those interested in helping the Lakos purchase a vehicle for HFI's work in Haiti can sponsor them by the mile or make a general donation to the cause. The Marathon is 26 miles and the Ladies Run is 6 miles -- supporters can sponsor them for a dollar a mile, five dollars, fifty or more! To donate, check the "Other Projects" box on Hope Force's Donations webpage and then specify that you would like your donation to be used for the Haiti vehicle. Donations to general recovery efforts in Haiti can also be made on this page.

Equipping Rene and Marianne to act effectively as field coordinators is key to Hope Force's work in Haiti as hurricane season rolls around once again. With estimates that this year's season could affect some 300,000 Haitians, their need for a suitable vehicle may be accentuated in the near future. Since hurricane season began in June, more than 20 lives have already been lost.

With the risk of flooding and cholera resurgence looming on the horizon, over 600,000 people in Haiti still find themselves in the vulnerable position of living in temporary shelters. Your continued prayers and support are deeply appreciated as the Lakos and the rest of the Hope Force team prepare to meet the needs of Sous Savanne in the coming months.