Run 4 Haiti

When we first came to Haiti -- instead of “boots on the ground” for Hope Force International (HFI) -- we were actually “running shoes on the ground.” We have trained for two marathons, some half marathons -- and now we are training for the 15 k (9.3 miles) Jacksonville River Run on March 12, 2016.

You might wonder what keeps us motivated to run on the rocky and often muddy roads around Sous Savanne?  Yes, we love running for exercise and to stay in shape.  It also gives us something to do together and it relieves stress while giving a sense of accomplishment. But the most rewarding reason for running is what we call “Run 4 Haiti” -- a personal initiative to raise funds for HFI projects. Last year, we ran to fund one of our “Houses of Hope” to replace a home in the village lost in the 2010 earthquake. This year, we are running to help fund the rebuilding of ECCA School in Mellier -- a school that was also lost in the earthquake -- about two miles from where we live. Several of our sponsored children go to this school. We love the school's motto: “Educate to serve – God and our community”.

Over the past year, HFI celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of this project:  the purchase of the land for the new school, the installation of a well, beginning the fencing for security and digging the first foundation. The school will consist of three structures, with a total of ten classrooms. In the current Phase II, we aim to raise $ 55,000 out of the total $210,000 budget. This Phase II will see the first building with four classrooms completed. Click Here to read more about this project

How does it work to sponsor our 15 k race in Jacksonville? The donated funds will go towards the building of the four-classroom structures. You can sponsor us for any amount you would like to contribute; i.e. one dollar, 5 dollars or 10 dollars per km -- or any other amount per K (1 mile is 1.62 K). You could sponsor one of us -- or both of us -- and double the amount!

To sponsor, click on the donate button below. Please make sure you designate for ECCA building and “Run4Haiti" in the comment section.

We can run alone -- but it's better to run together!  We also know that we cannot build the school alone -- we need partners and supporters so that we can run the race together!  P.S.  More events may be following later in the year...so stay tuned! 

-Rene & Marianne Lako, HFI Haiti Coordinators