Volunteer and Fundraiser for FONDAPS; Haitian charity

On my first trip to Haiti, I was introduced to a grassroots organization called FONDAPS. Their mission is to connect to underprivileged children for the direct distribution of food, clothing and water. While doing so, the founder also gives them an opportunity to play soccer, maintain a passion, develop a brotherhood with teammates, and form a love for something in a country which offers them so little. Through working with FONDAPS I was lucky enough to meet some of the most inspiring children from the slums of Haiti. My hopes at this point were to help in any capacity I could, but I knew immediately that I had to go back to the states, spread the word and raise much needed money for these kids. In the meantime, I put together and handed out food packages and watched smiles appear on the faces of children who had absolutely nothing. I attended each practice and game to organize the few belongings which the organization provided for the children. I played AYSO soccer for 8 years, so I worked with the younger children on their warm-ups, and did my best to encourage them in my broken Creole. As soon as I returned home I put a great deal of effort (and continue to do so) into raising money for this foundation that grew very near and dear to my heart. Over the course of 6 months I raised over $8,000 for the organization through various means such as Facebook, neighborhood, and school fund drives. On my second trip to Haiti I was overwhelmed to see new soccer shoes on their feet, extra jerseys, socks, shorts, and more food supplies to send them home with after practice. I had accomplished what I had hoped for, but it is an on going struggle, and I continue to raise funds. Working in Haiti has completely changed my perception of the world and opened my eyes. My time there has made me realize that I want to continue to help individuals all over the world and work to make a difference by majoring in International development and eventually start my own non profit organization. My journey to help will continue on this December when I make another visit to Haiti and work more with FONDAPS. This experience has also helped me to understand the importance of seizing the opportunities that are available to me while always being mindful of how I can use those opportunities to help those in dire need. My grandmother has grown fond of telling me that I get that desire from my grandfather, an arguably bias personal sentiment, but one I intend on always working to prove true. My family history and trips to Haiti are part of the ferment in which I was raised. My world now and forever will be grounded both in my life here but also with my roots there.