Cycling Event Benefits Haitian and Dominican Children

Wichita Falls, Texas, known as one of the hottest areas in the country during the summer, is home to the Hotter'n Hell 100 (HH100) organized cycling event. On Saturday, August 25, 2008 approximately 12,000 cyclist from all over Texas and beyond gathered for this annual endurance ride. For the second year in a row a special group of riders rode this 100 mile trek on behalf of the children of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The 30 riders that made up the "Race for Grace" team - some experienced racers and others cycling novices - sought out sponors and raised funds for International Child Care's health development programs. The ride was not easy - there was sweat, pain and even a little bloodshed involved - but every rider felt it was a worthwhile event knowing their efforts would save children's lives. Due to the dedication and efforts of all involved, it is estimated that over $20,000 was raised to benefit Haitian and Dominican Children.

So ATTENTION to all of you cyclists (or cyclist wannabes) who would like to ride for a great cause. Our goal is to double the number of participants and funds raised next year at the HH100 so please put it on your calendar. We hope to see you in Texas on August 29, 2009!

Multiple Hurricanes Cause Devastation in Haiti

Mrs. Reginald Desir has worked as a cashier at Grace Children's Hospital for the past four years. She lives in the town of Cabaret, a 45-minute commute from the hospital. Mrs. Desir's family just barely survived Hurricanes Hanna and Ike, the third and fourth tropical storms to batter Haiti in a month. Just days after Hanna's gale-force winds ripped a section of roof from her home, Hurricane Ike brought torrential rains and more destruction. Ike struck Haiti on September 8. That night, Mrs. Desir awoke to a wall of stormy floodwater as it crashed through her front door. The swift current took furniture, appliances and most of the family's possessions. Mrs. Desir and her family were able to safely escape the flooding, but tragically, the Desir's cook and the woman's two children did not survive. The tropical-force winds and floods caused by Faye, Gustav, Hanna and now Ike have severely affected over 100,000 Haitian children and their families. More than 400 people have lost their lives, and search efforts continue for many others who remain unaccounted for.

Before the storm, Mrs. Desir would commute more than 45 minutes on three tap-taps (public transportation) to get to her job. In the days following the storm, the tap-taps weren't running. Many Grace Children's Hospital employees made 2 to 3-hour treks on foot to the hospital to report for work and make sure that all of their young patients were receiving food and care.

Even for those who have been spared physically in the barrage of storms, the impact of these storms for all Haitians is still devastating. Gas, which was around $7.00 per gallon before the storm, has skyrocketed to $12.50 per gallon in the areas hardest hit and the food supply, already facing crisis, has led to a thriving black market for essential food items. The price of rice, a staple food in Haiti, has doubled over the past few weeks.

Unfortunately, the situation in Haiti may worsen before it improves. The national weather service is forecasting yet another tropical depression heading directly for the island of Hispaniola. This storm system will bring more wind and heavy rains to a country already in a state of emergency.

In the past, when great needs have arisen, our donors and partners have always given generously. Would you help International Child Care bring hope to those we serve - at a time when hope seems so far away? Please prayerfully consider making a generous gift online today and help us provide support to the areas of greatest need. Thank you and God bless!

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NEW CANADIAN NATIONAL DIRECTOR

New Acquisition For ICC Canada ---

Effective August 2008 Peter Montgomery assumed the role of National Director for International Child Care (Canada) Inc. Reporting to the Canadian board, Peter will be responsible for every aspect of performance and operations of the Canadian office.

Peter brings more than 15 years of senior-level management experience in the non-profit sector and 14 years in corporate communications and marketing to the position. Peter hopes to strengthen the Canadian arm of ICC through strategic and effective resource development, engaging communications and by developing a well-trained committed team of staff.

He was born in Huddersfield, England, and came to Canada in 1975. After graduating from Bible College in the UK, he studied business at Seneca College in Toronto, and later Communications at Tyndale University. He is married to Myfanwy (pronounced Muvanwoey) and has six grown children who are scattered across the globe. Peter loves to sail and play golf, but says that finding time to enjoy these activities is tricky. He has a great passion for Haiti, and has traveled there many times. He says that he has been deeply moved by what he has seen of needless suffering in the developing world, in which he has traveled widely.

Please join us in welcoming Peter to the ICC family, wishing him God’s richest blessing and wisdom as he seeks to serve the Lord in this position.

Please don’t hesitate to contact him at pmontgomery@intlchildcare.org or by phone at 905-821-6318 (888-722-4453) x294