According to the United Nations, Haiti is trapped in an unrelenting series of catastrophes which are leading to growing desperation and lack of food, fuel, markets and jobs. The UN calculates some five million people, in the countryside and the cities, are facing acute hunger. This has even led to the pillaging of some food warehouses.

At the same time, the Haitian Government’s ability to provide basic services, especially security, is seriously compromised. The international community has not yet come up with a coherent strategy to deal with what is fast becoming a failed state. Medical services are scarce; and, now cholera has re-emerged.

Now more than ever is the right time to reach out to our friends to bring “Hope for Haiti,” the theme for this year’s Lincoln County Ecumenical Committee Lenten appeal for Haiti. This year’s appeal will again focus on support to schools, especially hot, nutritious school lunches, small scale food production and school gardens in the northern Haitian town of Gros Morne. Generous support of our 2022 Haiti appeal meant we were able to transmit about $20,000 last year to our trustworthy contacts in Gros Morne, who channeled virtually all of it directly into food programs in schools, the major source of meals for many children. The schools are open again, and they will be putting to use whatever support we can give them. A portion of the food purchased with last year’s funds also went to shelters for the poor and to the housebound.

Because of COVID, we will not hold a fundraising dinner as we have in the past. Instead we will raise funds, as we did last year, through a GoFundMe campaign. Personal checks sent to our P.O. Box also will be welcome. Our 2023 goal is to at least equal the $20,000 which was donated in 2022.

The “Hope for Haiti” GoFundMe campaign will continue throughout Lent, which began Wednesday, Feb. 22. For those who wish to contribute by credit card at the “Hope for Haiti” GoFundMe site, the link is https://gofund.me/dce74968. Or donors can mail checks, payable to Lincoln County Ecumenical Committee for Haiti, or simply LCECH, to P.O. Box 1393, Damariscotta, ME 04543.

The LCECH expresses its sincere appreciation to all donors for past and ongoing support. For further information, please call 207-380-5103.