2020 to 2022 was a particularly difficult period in the history of Haiti. Not only did Haitians suffer the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic along with the rest of the global community, but they also experienced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis brought on by political, social, and economic violence and chaos. That crisis continues into the present time (June 2023). Costs skyrocketed as food and medical supplies became less accessible due to an ongoing disruption of the transportation system. However, by the grace of God, IC Haiti was able to keep up its commitment to fund the Fr. Marc Piche elementary school and its attendant programs (hot lunch, dental care, and secondary school tuitions), albeit at a higher cost: just over $70,000 a year during this three-year period. In addition, we contributed to St. Boniface Hospital as it coped with the health and nutrition problems brought on by the crisis.

Fortunately, IC parishioners continued to support our mission to Haiti even when the pandemic caused our church to be closed for much of the time during this period. “Cookies for Haiti” amazingly donated $7,000 in the summer of 2020 even when there were no parishioners at church to buy cookies. An anonymous donor then matched that $7,000 total. Wow! Another anonymous donor helped us tremendously to meet our budgetary goals during these three difficult years with several five-figure contributions.

In the later part of 2022, Conor Shapiro, the CEO of Health Equity International (formerly the Saint Boniface Haiti Foundation), spoke at Sunday Masses here to let parishioners know how much the medical community at Saint Boniface Hospital in Fond des Blancs appreciated our supportive partnership. He also spoke at the Parish Center, where parishioners in attendance donated close to $1,000. Health Equity International is IC Haiti’s eyes on the ground in Haiti, and our mission to Haiti would not be possible without its guidance, oversight, and inspiration.

Two new fundraisers were initiated in November of 2022: a Walk for Water and a Get-Together at the Newburyport Brewery. The walk for water took place at Merrimac Heights Academy, a private special needs school in Merrimac. Students and staff all participated in a short walk to raise funds for IC Haiti. The brewery fundraiser brought people together for a fun time at the NBPT site on Graf Road where IC Haiti Board members held a raffle for a variety of donated items. Both events were not only fundraisers but opportunities for participants to learn about IC Haiti’s mission. Over $6,000 was raised at these two events. Kudos to MHA walkers and to the local band that performed pro bono at the NBPT brewery event.