My name is Grace McKinnon and I want to go to Haiti so I can broaden my world view while helping those in need. I'm 19 years old and go to UBC-Okanagan, where I'm studying creative writing.

A large reason of why I want to go to Jacmel is that I want to get out of my comfort zone and do something that will really shock my system into seeing how most of the world lives. I've done volunteer work before, but never something that would involve me living in one of the poorest countries in the world for two week. However, the idea of living in Jacmel and helping the locals both scares and excites me; it's the opportunity to help others while also exploring and expanding on who I am as a person.

Also, don't forget that everything donated on this page goes straight to Hope To Haiti 2012! I pay all my own travel expenses and the $5000 (or more) that is donated to this page is donated to the community of Jacmel.

So please, donate whatever you are able to! Whether it's $100 or $10, it all goes to helping Jacmel - and even if I don't get to travel to Jacmel, the donations will go and do so much for everyone there.

Thank You for reading this, and hopefully you'll be able to donate a few dollars!

Grace Elizabeth McKinnon

RANDOM ACTS wrote -

Two years ago, after a destructive and devastating earthquake ravaged Haiti, Random Acts provided major funding for a journey to Jacmel to assist in rebuilding homes, communities and lives. During our initial visit, a dental clinic was reconstructed, an orphanage was refurbished and a carpentry school with 1600 donated tools was founded.

Later, in 2011, Misha Collins and the Random Acts team returned. This time, we were joined by a group of 22 enthusiastic volunteers. For the volunteers, work began before they arrived in Haiti. To secure their spot, each person expended vast amounts of energy and determination to raise at least $5000. What a great accomplishment! The monies raised from those donations, and donations from our amazing supporters, provided the tools and supplies used during our mission.

While there, the volunteers and staff opened their hearts and arms to demonstrate the true power of kindness. They worked in the fierce heat of the Haitian sun to aid in the construction of a multi-purpose community center; a facility that will provide shelter, as well as educate and feed homeless and orphaned children. Plus, our team members participated in creative and recreational activities with the children, such as arts, crafts and games.

But, our work isn’t done. That's why we're going back in 2012.

In order to participate, you must raise your funds through Crowdrise at this project page.  

Register your profile, then click the Join the Team button to get started.

For details about the Hope to Haiti project, including requirments for joining the trip, please visit our Hope to Haiti website.