Sharing the Good News
by Mirna Paul, National Coordinator

The Belize City Affiliate 3rd Annual Radiothon and a bake sale was held on August 18, 2001 in downtown Belize City. The objective of this event was to raise funds and to create awareness. Love FM broadcast conducted live updates and broadcasted the event. The financial goal set for this event was $22,000.00 ($11,000.00 USD). The affiliate exceeded its goal and raised a total of $31,169.00. We would like once again to thank all donors who contributed to the success of this event.

Habitat for Humanity Belize (HFHB), hosted its first international workshop. The event’s aim was to teach participants the art of fundraising - Habitat style. The attendees came to Belize from HFH organizations in Antigua, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Belize. Representing HFH Belize was: Carla Sainsbury, Thelma Audinett and Maria Elisa Rivera.

HFH Belize has a new International Partner - Maria Elisa Rivera. Elisa has been assigned to Belize to work with the National Office, assisting with the establishment of new affiliates. Brian Chavarria joined the Belize City affiliate team in December as construction foreman and Stasia Soutar is the National Accountant responsible for Belize City Affiliate and National accounts. Maria, Brian and Stasia, we welcome you.

HFHI observed it’s 25th Anniversary under the theme “Building Houses Building Hope”. The celebrations took place in Indianapolis, United States. HFH Belize was represented by Mr. Michael Sanchez-National Board Member and Sister Brenda Gonzales-Sisters of Charity, a strong supporter of Habitat in Belize. Prior to the weeklong celebrations and workshops, Mr. Sanchez participated in the construction of houses with the Millcreek Valley affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Habitat for Humanity has built over 100,000 houses around the world since 1976.

After the devastation of hurricane Iris in October, HFH Belize has embarked on a campaign to promote the idea of establishing affiliates in the affected areas and other communities. As a long-term community development organization, we are cognizant that the best contribution Habitat can provide is a quality housing at affordable prices. Since the hurricane, we have been working closely with the community of Big Creek in the Independence area.

The goal of promoting simple, decent and affordable shelter for families in need is one that the Orange Walk community is taking very serious. After conducting public presentations in that community, a steering committee has been formed. The following community leaders have responded to Habitat’s call: Flor Medina, Emiliana Ayuso, Maricela Moh, Delma Vaughan Swift, Mrs. Martha Lopez J.P., Rev. Roldan Rios, Desiree James, Susana Martinez, Adrian Pah, Selene M. Donis, Denny Grijalva, Rupert Cain & Lourdes Caal. The committee’s first meeting was conducted on January 5, 2001. The committee is currently surveying the community to assess the needs for affordable housing.

The opportunity to develop a new affiliate in the southern and northern part of the country is a very challenging but exciting one. So exciting that the communities of Libertad in the Corozal district, Salvapan in Belmopan and St. Mathews are motivated and willing to form their own steering committee to begin the affiliation process with HFH Belize. International Partners around the world, be ready because we will be calling on you very soon!!

The Belize Defense Force, Jesuit International Volunteers, Belize Government Ministers, Honorary Consuls and Ambassadors, along with HFH Volunteers and staff, participated in the World Leaders Build event during August.

The following groups participated in the construction of Gary and Jenevieve’s house: The Belize Defense Force, Jesuit Volunteers International, St. Catherine’s Academy, St. John’s Junior College, The Belize Bank Staff, and Non-Traditional Women Programme (participants from Center for Employment Training).

The following groups participated in Cisto and Eleanor’s house: Pinellas Habitat for Humanity-Florida, Delille Academy-Dangriga, Washington University-Missouri and Boston College-Boston.

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity Belize staff, Board of Directors and Partner Families, we would like to extend a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who participated in this labor of love.

Ms. Elsa Augustine’s house was dedicated on August 11, 2001

Mr. George Flowers & Karen Young’s house was dedicated on October 6, 2001

Mr. & Mrs. Sears’ house was dedicated on October 27, 2001

Mr. Gary Card & Jenevieve Ramirez’ house was dedicated on December 22, 2001

On December 8, HFH Belize volunteers, supporters and Partner Families came together to shake their legs and indulge in fine cuisine at the first annual HFH Belize Christmas party. The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of 3 cheques from our tithing partners visiting from HFH Pinellas, St. Petersburg, Florida. The cheques, a total of $1,600.00 US, were donations from HFH Pinellas, Christ Church and Rotary Club of Seminole Lake, Florida. These donations will certainly help the organization continue building affordable housing. Once again, we take this opportunity to thank our donors. A special thank you goes to Yvonne Bowen, Carla Sainsbury, Roslyn Rowland and Thelma Audinett for the coordination of this successful event. We also thank all those who made in-kind and cash contributions. Good job ladies!! The party was a blast and we are looking forward to Christmas party 2002.

I take this opportunity to thank our staff: Ms. Carla Sainsbury, Ms. Rita Wilson, Mr. Kenrick Logan, Ms. Elisa Rivera, Mr. Brian Chavarilla and Ms. Stasia Soutar for their dedication and for going beyond the call of duty to help the organization achieve its goal. A special thank you goes to the members of the National and Belize City affiliate board, for your guidance and support throughout this year and the upcoming year.