Helping Haiti thru Christianville -- locals in Coral Springs reach out with relief

Broward Net Online - Coral Springs, FL – January 20th, 2010   9:27 A.M.

By Andrea Freygang

With the earthquakes continuing in Haiti, the 1.3 million people there who survived the first earthquake will continue to need relief help, supplies, medical aid and more. With that in mind, a group in Coral Springs raised $5,000 and half a 20-foot truck of supplies during a one-day event at Wings Plus in Coral Springs.

“These resources will be taken directly to Haiti by boat, helicopter and plane—not through Port au Prince (because the military is making it hard to land), but directly to Christianville in Haiti,” said Shari Sopourn, creator of “Bailout! The Game,” as she gave away copies of the game to anyone who donated to the drive.

Christianville is in Gressier, about 20 miles outside of Port Au Prince, and the compound has its own means of access to get supplies in, said Sopourn, adding that a member of her church is personally involved in the mission. She said they chose to work with Wings Plus because the 25-year-old business is a pillar in the community and well-known for taking up causes and helping others in need. While the owner, Brian Walsh, was not there when BrowardNETOnline.com went to the event, his daughter Bridget Walsh said the issue really hit home for them. “Most of our cooks are Haitian and have been here 20 years—and many have extended family in Haiti,” said Walsh, saying they probably have 30 staff members who were Haitian. “A lot of them have heard from their family, but a couple have not.”

Wings Plus is collecting supplies and donations till the end of the day on Jan. 21.

Look for details on another fundraising event on President’s Day, Feb. 15, 2010.

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