Community continues to show its HEARTS in Haiti fundraiser

Centre Wellington residents continue to show their heart by the numbers taking part in the annual Race for the Children of Haiti.

The Oct. 19 event, with a start/finish line at James McQueen Public School, is organized annually through St. Andrews Presbyterian Church’s HEARTS (Haitians Educated and Ready To Serve) campaign.

Proceeds from the annual 5km family fun run/walk help provide for the daily needs of orphaned children at Sella House and provide for schooling for over 800 children in four primary schools.

HEARTS supports the work of the people in the Cap-Haïtien area through both material and financial aid.

Funding is sent down each month to support food and education programs at the orphanage and four schools.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere with the highest infant mortality rate, highest unemployment rate, lowest annual income, lowest literacy rate, lowest life expectancy and highest HIV/AIDS rate.

Commenting on the event later at the Oct. 21 Centre Wellington council meeting, Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said, “St. Andrews Presbyterian Church has been doing this for a long time, and they still had a massive crowd on Saturday to do the run.”

She added the organization’s mission in Haiti has also gone on for many years.

“It’s nice to see that this event is still very well received by the community. They are still doing very good work in Haiti.”

She added “Our own MPP Ted Arnott [Wellington-Halton Hills] was there with his wife and family participating.”