Monday, July 11, 2011 at 10:31PM In late 2010 we thought we were busy with a full Cholera Treatment Center (CTC). This week, we have had well over 200 patients at any given time. We peaked at around 280 Thursday evening! The normal hospital bed count is well under 140, which means our CTC is now TWICE the size of the hospital.
Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 09:38AM Preliminary results in the Presidential runoff election in Haiti are finally in. As long as the numbers check out, the job will go to musician Michel Martelly. Haitians call him “Sweet Mickey,” and they’re hoping his victory will open up a sweet new chapter in history.
Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10:39AM With 408 people in attendance and over $30 000 raised, the 2011 Haiti Happening fundraiser for Hôpital Albert Schweitzer was an expression of optimism and support for the hospital and the many players involved. For eight consecutive years this event has been exposing attendees to the realities of Haiti and the hospital’s involvement in ameliorating health care in the Artibonite Valley.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 04:27PM Canadian Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer are currently in the middle of an appeal called “One Year Later …” The idea is to encourage Canadians to continue the generosity that was stimulated by the earthquake of January 2010.
During the past year hundreds of Canadians have chosen to support the Haitian people by supporting HAS. The reasons for directing donations to the hospital vary, but every dollar contributed has been important in helping the people at HAS get through the earthquake trauma as well as the subsequent challenges of flooding, a cholera outbreak, and more.
The largest donation received in 2010 came “out of the blue”, so to speak. The generosity of the previously unknown donors, Nina & John Cassils, caused some speculation as to what caused them to choose CFHAS. In the hope that their gift would help other Canadians to want to be “difference makers” for the hospital, CFHAS undertook an interview. Here are some excerpts from that interview.
CFHAS: We hear that you actually have a relationship with the Mellon family.
Nina & John: Yes … John’s father, Ian Grant Cassils, and Gwen Grant Mellon, were first cousins.
CFHAS: What, if any, has been your association with HAS?
Nina & John: We knew of its existence and had read Gwen Grant Mellon’s Book, “My Road to Deschapelles”.
CFHAS: Have you had any involvement with HAS?
Nina & John: Only what we have read and heard from relatives, read in “My Road to Deschapelles” and “Songs of Haiti”, and learned from the photographs of Karl Grobl.
CFHAS: Why did you choose to make your generous donation to HAS?
Nina & John: While it was the earthquake that got our attention, we gave in memory of Ian Grant Cassils. Other factors were the family history, the excellent track record of the hospital and the great need there.
CFHAS: What prompted you to make your donation to HAS through Canadian Friends of HAS?
Nina & John: The US based website directed us to contact Canadian Friends of HAS so that, as Canadians, our donation would be eligible for a Canadian tax receipt. Also, in a telephone conversation with Ian Rawson (Gwen Grant Mellon’s son), we were encouraged to contact Bradley Berquist, Chairman of the Canadian Friends of HAS Board.
CFHAS: What do you see as the strengths of HAS?
Nina & John: The people involved; the strong history; the longevity of HAS; the on-going commitment of the founding family.
CFHAS: What would you say to others who may be looking for a worthy recipient of their donation dollars?
Nina & John: Give where there is a connection; give where the need is greatest; give where you trust the funds will be well managed.
The Canadian Friends of HAS truly appreciate the generosity of all donors to the hospital. We hope that this interview with Nina & John Cassils will inspire other Canadians to “think big” when donating to HAS. Any Canadian wishing to make a donation to the hospital can do so online at www.canadianhashaiti.ca or by mailing a cheque (made out to “Canadian Friends of HAS”) to P.O. Box 827, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3M8.
Friday, January 21, 2011 at 09:12AM