Help Haitians and Dominicans Now! – Updated 1/18
If you are a wanting to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the earthquake in Haiti – please watch this video below – and please make a comment below. Haitians and Dominicans will be reading this and your comments.
Si quieres ver este video en espanol – haz clic aqui!
Please take a moment and let me know if you want to help – in any way shape or form. I am taking a max of 25 people. Sign up now as people have already expressed interest on twitter. I will also be organizing the information about donating to this work group over the next week. You can truly make a difference – with your own hands. How? By typing a message here, by going and lending a hand, by praying. Whichever way you want to use your hands…please let me, the work team, the Dominicans and Haitians know. Stay tuned for more blog posts during the next few weeks.
Thank you!
~Katie Martin
Editor-in-Chief
UPDATE 1/18:
We will be working with World Vision and The Embassy of Haiti on a project near the border of Haiti in a town called Jimani. I cannot give specifics as to the type of work that we will be doing simply because we will be doing what needs to be done at that point in time! Our trip will be from March 28 – April 2nd.
As of now – I am working on finalizing how to donate to this work team if you cannot come and if you are trying to specifically fundraise for your trip.
If you are wanting to come on the trip – please leave a post below and I will email you specifics on how to fundraise for your trip.
I am going to set up a webinar conference with all of the participants of the work team on how to get prepared for this trip.
Cost of the trip will depend on where you are flying from. We will all need to meet in Miami to fly in together – so please do not buy your tickets yet! We estimate our ground transportation and food will be covered with $300-400/person. I would like for everyone that can come to raise their own funds – which is really easy to do.
Please note – this will not be a comfy and cosy trip – we will be staying with Dominican and Haitian families to save as much money as possible. I will need you to trust me and World Vision that you will be safe in the midst of being out of your comfort zone. I have led and have been a part of over 15 work trips between Nicaragua and The Dominican Republic and the worst thing that anyone had trouble with was a heat rash. We will be staying for the most part – right across the border of Haiti inside the Dominican Republic. We might have a day trip to Haiti if World Vision can facilitate it and if it is where we are needed.
Then, as a group, we will need to bring: toys, basic bathing sundries and tools to be given away and used for whatever project we end up doing.
I am now in contact with a travel agency that will hopefully be able to get us somewhat discounted airfare for our group – but don’t expect much. During Hurricane Katrina – airlines would only give 5% discounts.
In the end – each person will need to fundraise between $500-$600 depending on where you are flying from.
I promise to post more information this week.
Thanks again!
Katie Martin
COMMENTS ARE CLOSED ON THIS POST. A NEW POST WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY WITH MORE INFORMATION.
Thanks everyone!
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You might have a team member. Send me the details so I can get an answer and things straightened out by then. Great idea!
I am willing to come and help send me more info
You are doing an amazing thing and I would love to see if I can help once you have more info.
Katie – You are just PHENOMENAL. Once again, you are one of the kindest people I know and I am so happy to have connected with you. I’d be happy to help in any way that I can – especially toys. My kids have way too much and they can certainly learn to live with less. If Chaz is going, I can have him bring it to the DR because he’s here in San Diego as well. God bless you Katie.
Katie, I’m very interested in going to the Dominican Republic to help! I’ve been praying for the people in Haiti every day and researching different ways to help. We are so blessed here and to be able to share our blessings is what we are called to do! If you can let me know more details about the trip as you get them, I’d love to be a part of it. Thanks!
Thanks! I really hope Chaz can go…this trip is not for the faint of heart…
I have led about 9 work teams both in the Dominican Republic and one to Nicaragua. Work team are able changing the lives of everyone involved. I really appreciate your help Phyllis! I promise to post more soon!
Thanks Richelle…I am hoping for an incredible crew of wedding professionals that just want to help, take photos, educate themselves and others. I am also just hoping that we can raise enough funds for at least ten of to go….If you want to go and you think you will be able to afford between $500-$700 to cover airfare, lodging and expenses for the 5 days…this is important. The more wedding professionals that can pay for their airfare the better. We will be documenting as much as we while we are there. I am exciting about the amazing amount of people who are already on board.
As soon as I know – I will post another video blog and information on how to sign up.
Katie, I can probably cover that amount. I have a lot of friends and family that would be willing to support me financially. I would love to be a part of this and help document. with photos and video. I will be looking for your next video. Thanks!
Wow Richelle – I am so amazed by how quick the response has been to this. But then again, I know things change when people are praying and their hears are in the right place. I promise to email you directly. We have another photographer as well that is interested – which will be great! I am going to see if Gustavo Fernandez (he’s Dominican) can go as well – going to email him now.
At this rate – we may have to have to separate teams – Already so many people emailing me wanting to help…my heart has been so heavy this week, that I have been in agony over it.
I will definitely be sending information to everyone who posts here – check back often this week as I will be mostly updating via blog posts and then emailing people directly!
Thank you so much!
Thank you Tanya…every single person that can help – no matter how big or small will make a HUGE difference. Support for work teams are so incredibly important for morale!
Thanks Rachelle!!!
This is a wonderful idea. Please send me more details.
My biz partner, Samara, and I at Bridal Beauty Chicago are very interested in joining your work team! Please send info ASAP!
This is a wonderful idea; while I won’t be able to travel, I am eager to help support the work team you are organizing. You are so right, in a couple of months Haitians will need our continual support.
Looking forward to receiving more info! In the mean time I will continue to pray and additionally add the formation of this work team to my prayer list. God Bless!
I’m ready to go and able to cover all of my own expenses. Please let me know when and where to be. Thank you for organizing this- Michael
When I first met you, I thought you were a really nice lady, with a beautiful spirit. Now I know that you are even more than that first impression, but you don’t need to have me tell you that. The spirit that said that you must #changetheworld may do it one bride at a time. Send more info as soon as you have it. You are going to continued to be blessed by the outpouring of love and support – you just watch. So today while I pray for my friends family that is still missing in Haiti, I’ll send up an extra prayer for you. Let not your heart be heavy anymore.
I’m interested! I am so saddened by this.! If I can get things together I will come so please keep me informed!!!
We would like to collect & donate toys. Please let us know where to send & by what date.
Great job.
What a great, real way to help. Keep us posted on ways to contribute!
I’m interested so send me the info. I know Gustavo Fernandez so I will talk to him also.
Hi Katie, yes, yes, yes. Sign me up. Thank you for creating this opportunity for us. Amazing. I’ve been thinking non stop over the past few days how I can get there to help. I got your info via Gustavo. I’m extremely concerned about all the orphans and want to figure out a way I can directly help some orphanages. Please feel free to contact me if you need help with planning or organization. Since I just returned from South Africa my travel expense budget is pretty used up so would need to find some financial assistance getting there. I’ll stay in touch for more info. Blessings~
Cara Gardner
Muy interesado! Please keep me posted -
Thanks Cara -We have 3 months to fundraise – so as soon as I can get some information from the travel agency I will have an amount that all of us can fundraise for. I have found that most individuals can rase less than $1000 in 3 month by asking clients, friends and family to donate between $20-$100/each. I will be able to put together a packet on how to fundraise as that was a huge part of my job as a missionary back in the 90′s.
I will keep you posted!
Gustavo is a rock star…
I promise to post more information this week!
Fantastico!
Hi Alisa!
We are partnering with a children’s wellness non-profit that will be organizing sports equipment – so little dolls and girl-themed small toys will the most helpful. Thanks sweetie!
You are the best Lisa…We have to be give back and take care of people when we can. We never know when we are going to need.
You know I value our relationship and how helpful you have been over the past year! Thank God for Twitter!!!
We will be able to do great things when a group goes together.
I promise to post more information shortly!
Thanks Stephanie! I promise to post more soon!
Thanks Kim!
Thanks Michael!
Nick and I would love more information on helping out. While we have donated via other avenues, we would love to help out in other ways as well. Thank you!
Hey Katie! Like I said,I’d love to support you in any way possible. I’m not a wedding professional but, am interested in helping you out in any way I can! I look forward to getting more info on the trip and even if all I can do is throw a fundraiser and donate money, toys, etc- I’d love to. I’d love to go to Haiti/DR as well and speak Spanish. You are an amazing woman and have a beautiful spirit.
Katie, I am there for you for sure. I definitely want to help anyone and do anything I can to help the people of Haiti. I can take care of my expenses as well, wan’t to make this as smooth as possible for you!
Phyllis, thank you again for everything, social media is a definitely amazing!
Wow! What an amazing idea. Thank you for organizing this. I’ve been praying and have given money to the Red Cross but I would like to do more. I speak Spanish and am a wedding photographer. Please keep me posted. Gracias!
Would love more information ! I can cover my own expenses and I’m Dominican so I can help with any ground issues. What part of DR are you planning on going too?
HI Katie
My name is Neezar Samara from the San Francisco area. I’m a wedding photographer and saw this posting on Gustavo’s facebook page. I just heard your video and all week I was saying to myself that I want to be there and to help in any way possible. I’m very interested in going to help make a difference in that region. Depending on the costs I’m willing to pay my way if funds can’t be met.
Seems that you have a great connection with people in the DR. I too have family that live in Santo Domingo. They are in the travel business and have hotels/resorts around the country and they may be able to help us out with housing near the border.
Again I would love to donate my time with a team of wedding professionals in the DR and would love an opportunity to make a difference to many lives of Haitians.. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards Neezar
This is a great idea! Bravo, Katie. Please keep us posted on how we can pitch in. You and your team are doing a truly amazing thing!
Great Idea !
I would love more information and I am Dominican so any help I can offer on the ground just ask !
What part of DR are you planning on going to?
Hola Beverly!
I have been talking to my brother-in-law – who is Dominican and is a pastor in Santo Domingo. We are working with the Embassy of Haiti and World Vision hopefully and hopefully will be doing a project near Jimani. Since a lot of things will change over the next 3 months – we will keep in constant contact with World Vision.
I am about to post an update….
Count me in! I am very interested in heading Haiti to help with the relief in anyway possible. Please send more information when possible.
We will be flying in and doing most of the work in the Dominican Republic. We might go into Haiti for a day – but that is only if it is safe…which we will not know until we get there. We are going to support World Vision in the Dominican Republic to support the refugees that are coming over the border from Haiti.
Hi Katie -
As always, you continue to amazing me and all those around you!
I am definitely interested in going (even though not a wedding pro, just fan of!). I could definitely cover my airfare down to Miami, and if Trevor can get the time off of work, then we could both get to Miami to join the group. Since it looks like the group is pretty large, if the very least thing we can go is make toys and have a supply drive, then we will do that and get those to you before you leave DC.
Best,
~Jenny and Trevor
Thanks Jenny – We hope everyone can cover all of their airfare. Once I have 10 wedding professionals (or fans of!) that pay for their own airfare – then I can give everyone the tools they need to fundraise for food and transportation while we are there…
I will post more ways to be involved and contribute soon!
I’m fully on board, Katie. You just tell me where and when.
Katie,
I would love to go but can only do so if I can get enough money raised for the trip and can provide care for my children in my absent. Please put me down tentatively and keep me in the loop.
Thank you so much for putting this incredible endeavor together. You are the best!
Tami
hey Katie! I’ve been following your tweets and although I don’t know you personally I can tell you have a heart for others and are doing something amazing. I’m a wedding photog in Harrisonburg VA and would love to be a part of the trip if needed. I think I could raise all of my funds (if I started soon) so fill me in on the details and God Bless!
I love you so much Mary Kate!!! I am so glad you can make it!!!! YAY I promise to give you more info and since we are from the same area – we can fly together!
Fantastic!!!! Tami – I promise to keep everyone in the loop!
Hi Mary – You are close! I would love it is you can come – looks like we have a huge band of photographers coming. As soon as I finalize the details on the 501c3 – I will give you all the tools you need to fundraise!
Katie,I’m the owner of Synergy Day Spa & a make up artist (specialize in bridal make up)I’ve been following you on Twitter for a while & contacted you re: make up for Eco Beautiful e zine.Like you and a lot of people,I’ve been searching for a way to help.Donating money to the Red Cross is one thing.What you are doing is amazing.As a spa owner I was thinking of donating some time/services for fund raising.But didn’t know where to start.Maybe we could talk about supporting your team of wedding pros.I’m particularly interested in helping children.(My 4 year old daughter is adopted from Russia)It’s utterly heartbreaking to see those poor children suffer.Lets talk soon.
Angela
Hi Angela…We would love any and all help! As soon as we have a way for people to donate in a way that is tax-deductible – I can give you all the details! Thanks!
I’m VERY interested in details. Please let me know how to be part of the team that goes.
Dumb question – is a passport needed for Haiti?
I want to go and help!
P.s. I’m an architect and photographer and am willing to help in whatever way possible. I have the time to help in whatever way possible.
My boss told me about this and I would love more information and possibly be a part of this very special trip. Let me know if you need any additional info from me (hopefully you can see my email?!)
Put me down!
Hi Katie!
I’m just in awe of what you’re doing! You are absolutely amazing. I don’t know if you need more people, but I would definitely be interested in going to DR to help out! Or just help out in whatever way you need.
Thank you so much for being you and having so much passion for changing the world. I have no doubt you will change the world!
Rachael
I’m definitely interested in going. Looking forward to getting more information. Thank you for organizing this!
Hi Katie! This is such an amazing idea. I really want to help in any way that I can. I think that 3 months is enough time to raise the funds needed. Please send me more information.
-Keli
Hi Katie
Count me in.
I’ll pay my way. Looking forward to more details from you.
I would not be able to go, however I’m willing to do something else that’s needed. I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area. Keep me in the loop.
Hi Katie:
My friend Gustavo sent me this link. What an amazing idea and I would love to help. I do need some more information, but think I can swing it. Even if I can’t I will do my best to send Gustavo as many things as possible.
Thanks!
I may be able to make the trip. I can pay my own way. I just need more details and work out my schedule.
Hi Katie,
Please count me in and put me down for raising funds to participate in this trip. I myself have been trying to find something like this but with no luck and then I came across a message posted by my dear friend Gustavo Fernandez on Twitter and I immediately wanted to reply. While I know this isn’t required, I am fluent in Spanish and am available during the time you plan to take this trip. Please contact me with specifics at your earliest convenience. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Many blessings,
Michelle
Thank you for organizing this. If there’s still room, I would like to go.
Caryn
Yes – There is still room!!! I should have more specific information by next week….Thanks Caryn!
Michelle! I would love it is you can come – I should have more information for everyone by Friday!
Michela – How wonderful! I am so excited about the response for this! I promise to send information to all ASAP
Help in any way is great! Just by posting here – you are helping and encouraging others! If you want to help fundraise – I should have more info by the end of this week!
I love Gustavo! He has been such an amazing partner in this! I promise to post more info shortly!
Keli! You are such the rock start – I would love it if you could come!! Can’t wait to see you next week!
Jen – I can’t wait to post more and this is just getting so exciting to have so many people wanting to help out in such a short amount of time!
Rachael – I really appreciate your post! I don’t think I am amazing at all…We all need to just use what we have and run with it – no matter what it is. I am hoping to have 25 people – if we have more – we will certainly find something for people to do!!! I promise to post more shortly!
Yeah baby!
Yes – passports are needed…I will have a whole new post by the end of the week on how to help and sign up!
Would love it!
I LOVE IT! My hubby was an architect in the DR – not sure if he can come – so I think it will help tremendously. This will probably be the most documented work team I have ever worked on!!!
I will send an email to all those that want to be involved…I promise!
I would love to join in!!! This is truly an amazing thing you are doing. Thank you.
Katie, I am definitely interested in going. I’m not sure if my work schedule will conflict but I will try my best. Can you please send me more information about this? Is there still room to go?
I promise to send more information to everyone! There is more room!
Me and my business partner, Samara are DEFINITELY interested! PLEASE count us in. You can send details to us both at BridalBeautyChicago@gmail.com
HI Katie:
It’s me again. I am DEFINITELY on board, but just need some more specifics for exact dates of departure.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you:)
Christina
March 28-April 2nd!
There Katie goes again! Rockin’ the passion! While I won’t be able to travel, I am interested in helping. I’m not a very religious person, but I am an avid believer in the power of prayer and the people of Haiti are on my mind everyday. I think this is a fabulous idea and such a wonderful thing you are going to do.
Hi Jennifer! You have been one the best friends I have had this year. I really appreciate all of your support…Anyone who is willing to help is fabulous! Just trying to be a conduit! Thanks again – I will have a whole new post hopefully by tomorrow – or Friday at the latest! Love you babe!