Jamaica Gleaner News - Three Jamaican companies contribute to Haven's Haiti house-building project - Tuesday

Three local companies, Wisynco, Seaboard Jamaica and Facey Group, have come together to give their support to the Haven charity which builds houses for some of the world's poorest. The charity will begin building homes in Haiti later this month.

Launched in January by leading Irish businessman, Leslie Buckley, Haven aims to tackle poverty in the developing world by building houses and implementing community development programmes. Haven is beginning its work in Haiti with an aim to build 1,000 new homes and improve a further 2,000 more by the end of 2011. Haven will employ, train and upskill people in Haiti to help with the development efforts.

A key initiative to meet Haven's development objectives is 'Build It Week', which takes place from October 25 to November 1, 2009 and will see 270 volunteers travelling to Haiti for a week to work on the project.

'Build It Week' has been given a significant boost with the news that Wisynco, Seaboard Jamaica and Facey Group have all come on board to provide and ship a 40-foot container of soft drinks and food supplies to Haiti for free to support the work of the volunteers.

Extremely grateful

Leslie Buckley, founder of Haven, said, "I am extremely grateful that these fantastic Jamaican companies have come on board to help support our work in Haiti. Haven's vision for Haiti is one where every one of its citizens has a proper place to call home, where children have somewhere safe to sleep at nights and families feel secure. By contributing food, drink and the shipping and freight services for free, Wisynco, Seaboard Jamaica and Facey Group, have ensured that our 270 'Build It Week' volunteers are well looked after and will be able to put their all into changing things for the better in Haiti."

William Mahfood, CEO of Wisynco, comments, "When we heard about this great initiative, we just had to do what ever we could to support it. While the plight of the people of Haiti is heart breaking, it is inspiring to see what can be achieved when people come together in a positive way."

Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, CEO of Seaboard Freight & Shipping Jamaica Limited, said, "As a company with strong links to Haiti, we are delighted to be a part of such a worthwhile cause. Haiti has a very proud history but the level of poverty is truly devastating. We are pleased to have found a way to help effect a positive change in Haiti."

Patrick Scott, vice-chairman of Facey Group, added, "Quite simply, there is no better feeling in the world than when you can help change lives for the better. Haven's work is commendable and badly needed and we are very pleased to be a part of it."