It has often been said that to whom much is given, much is required. That statement governs my life because the two people above, who you see with me just days after I was born, did A LOT to give me much more than most children from my background. Considering their humble beginnings – Mom’s in Jacmel, on the south side of the island; Daddy’s in St. Marc in the north – I can’t help but feel extra blessed whenever I see the plight of my people in Haiti. Because, the truth is, my grandparents, just one generation removed, had a much different reality. What that proves is that it doesn’t take much to effect change. SOOOOOO: I need your help!

HAITI NEEDS YOUR VOTE!

The City of Miami and Waste Management have launched a voting campaign to support Port-au-Prince, Haiti in the BBC World News’ World Challenge ’09 competition, a contest that awards innovative, grassroots-level projects and small businesses from around the world.

As one of 12 finalists in the competition, Haiti stands to win a grant to further its recycling project LOVE ‘N HAITI, which turns everyday trash into paper charcoal briquettes.

The LOVE ‘N HAITI project benefits Haiti by:

· decreasing deforestation
· creating a cleaner, safer and healthier environment
· creating jobs
· reducing the incidence of floods

President Bill Clinton is an outspoken champion of the LOVE ‘N HAITI project.

In order to win, Haiti must get the most online votes out of all 12 finalists!

VOTING PERIOD: September 28, 2009 – November 13, 2009

VOTING SITE: http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/index.php.

Here’s how you can help:

· Encourage your audience to vote for LOVE ‘N HAITI on Twitter, Myspace and Facebook

· Blast the LOVE ‘N HAITI message to your list of emails

· Post a blurb about LOVE ‘N HAITI to your website

Let’s make #LOVENHAITI a trending topic starting this Friday at 12 Noon! Tell EVERY FOLLOWER YOU HAVE!

A big HUGE thank you to my girls over at the 135th Street Agency for putting me on to this project!
For more information:
visit http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/index.php or http://www.humanissimus.com/com/votehaiti.html
or
Contact: Shante Bacon (shante@135stagency.com) at 917-553-0005
Saptosa Foster (saptosa@135stagency.com) at 404-909-6493