Haven, a prominent Irish non-governmental organisation working on the ground in Haiti, today announced a nationwide ‘Rally for Haiti’ will take place between 3rd and 7th April led by former championship rally driver Ronnie Foreman.
Tuesday, 4 April marks six months to the day since Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti. It was the most powerful hurricane to strike Haiti in over 50 years and more than 1.4 million people were left in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
Haven’s team led the emergency response on the island of Ile a Vache where many of its development programmes are based, distributing 500,000 meals, 60,000 water-purifying tablets, 40,000 sachets of water, and 1,100 tarpaulins.
Haven’s team led the emergency response on the island of Ile a Vache where many of its development programmes are based, distributing 500,000 meals, 60,000 water-purifying tablets, 40,000 sachets of water, and 1,100 tarpaulins.
Ronnie is coming out of retirement to undertake the road trip around Ireland to raise awareness and vital funds for the people of Haiti, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew.
On the rally, he will visit all corners of the country, starting in Lisburn; travelling through Belfast, Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny, Swords and Dublin; before finishing back in Belfast.
On the rally, he will visit all corners of the country, starting in Lisburn; travelling through Belfast, Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny, Swords and Dublin; before finishing back in Belfast.
He will take to the roads in a vehicle provided by international engineering solutions company, Actavo, with the goal of rallying support and funds for Haven and its work on behalf of the people of Haiti. Ronnie will stop off at a number of civic receptions and public events along the route, while companies and individuals can get involved by organising their own fundraising events to coincide with his travels.
Ronnie Foreman, who is also the Northern Ireland Ambassador for Haven, said: “It is an honour to get behind the wheel again to tour Ireland’s highways and byways for such a good cause. Throughout the rally in April, I hope to raise much-needed funds and increase awareness of the immense difficulties that continue to face the Haitian people, six months after Hurricane Matthew. Now, Haven is looking to long-term recovery after what is the third major natural disaster to hit Haiti in just seven years; I’m asking the people of Ireland to get behind the rally so that, together, we can help this recovery reach those who need it most.”
Leslie Buckley, Founder and Chairman of Haven, said: “Six months have passed since Haiti was devastated by Hurricane Matthew last October. After finding many of the homes, farms and schools destroyed, and having faced the threat of cholera and hunger, now, the people of Haiti are working to rebuild their lives. I would like to thank Ronnie for driving this unique initiative, which will reach far in supporting recovery in Haiti: the Rally for Haiti can empower the people of Haiti to restore their livelihoods and look ahead to a bright future once again”.
To make a donation to the Rally for Haiti, please log on to https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/rally-for-haiti and follow the instructions.
Rally for Haiti Schedule:
April 3rd: Lisburn, Belfast, Derry, Donegal
April 4th*: Sligo, Galway, Limerick
April 5th: Cork
April 6th: Kilkenny, Swords, Dublin
April 7th: Belfast
For more information, please visit Haven’s website, call +353 1 681 5442 or email info@havenpartnership.com
