Boston Gringo

Haiti January 12th 2010 Earthquake

Haitian Outreach

Haiti and Haitian Outreach About Haitian Outreach

Welcome to my blog about Haiti, Haitian Outreach, and our involvement with the sisters we support, The Daughters of Mary Queen Immaculate of Haiti.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Haitian Outreach: Annual Newsletter - January 2015
View Annual Newsletter »

Monday, January 12, 2015

Yahoo News: Haiti 5 years later
View article »

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Haitian Outreach: Update - March 2014
View March 2014 Update »

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Irish Times: Billions promised by donors to rebuild Haiti seem very slow in coming
View article »

Monday, December 16, 2013

Forbes: Why We Need To Learn To See Haiti Through Different Eyes
View article »

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Claire G. Giuliani
February 27, 1941 - October 29, 2013

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend

Claire (Babineau) Giuliani, of Fitchburg was the eldest child of Raymond Rita (Sauve) Babineau of Fitchburg and was a 1958 graduate of St. Bernard's High School. Shortly after graduation, she began working for Stop and Shop and was a coach for the award winning St. Joseph's CYC Cheerleading squad. During the 70's she served on the Council on Aging and worked on several political campaigns as a Democratic activist, representing Fitchburg as a delegate to the Democratic Party state convention several times.

Claire was active as a Eucharistic Minister at several local Catholic churches. With her husband Louis, she co-directed the Madonna of the Holy Rosary annual Garlic Festival for many years. She was a dedicated member of the Serra Club and Sons of Italy. She also volunteered her time for her son's activities as a Den Mother and adult leader of Cub Scout Pack 17 and concession manager of Babe Ruth baseball.

After retirement from Stop and Shop after 44 years of service, she worked as a secretary for a laboratory supply company in Hubbardston and at Independent Cleaners. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting.

Most recently, Claire was deeply affiliated with Haitian Outreach for 15 years with a long tenure as the Director of Child Sponsorship. She traveled to Haiti frequently, delivering supplies critical to Haitian student education and general well-being. She was extremely generous and deeply touched many people's lives.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was very happily married to Louis Giuliani for 41 years. Together, they traveled extensively through Canada, Italy, Greece, the Caribbean; she especially enjoyed trips to Marco Island in Florida and to California to visit her brother Bob (Bonnie) Babineau. She was very proud of her daughter Lisa Poirier (Jes Fowler), son David (Annette) Giuliani, daughter Cheryl Vaillancourt, sons Louis (Karyn), Paul (Joan) and Charlie Giuliani. She doted on her grandchildren, Nichole and Renee Vaillancourt, Jenna and Janelle Giuliani, Danny and Emily Giuliani, John and Noah and the late little Louie Giuliani, Andrew and great grandchild Jack Giuliani.

A wake will be held on Friday, November 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Camillus Church on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Haitian Outreach, 144 Chester St., Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Miami Herald: A new profile for Haiti’s U.N. peacekeeping mission
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Saturday, July 13, 2013

The Telegraph: Alan Whicker: my date with Papa Doc, the daddy of all dictators
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Monday, May 27, 2013

Haitian Outreach - A note from Claire, Haitian Outreach Director

Dear Sponsors and Friends,
This note is to let you know that there will be a large yard sale to benefit Haitian Outreach on Saturday June 1st from 8am to 4pm at Alpha Real Estate on Lunenburg St. in Fitchburg, MA. Plenty of parking and anyone is welcome to volunteer to help.

Call Rosemary Richard at Alpha Real Estate for information Tel. 978-342-6300 or 978-580-1812

Thank You,
Claire

Friday, May 24, 2013

Haitian Outreach: Children Who Need a Sponsor
View webpage »

Monday, March 18, 2013

Boston Gringo: Changes - before and after photos from our trips to Haiti
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Monday, March 18, 2013

Boston Gringo: Haiti Video - We travel the busy street markets

Monday, February 25, 2013

Slate: Humanitarian Malfeasance - The United Nations is responsible for killing more than 8,000 Haitians since 2010. And it’s not even willing to say it’s sorry.

Written by Jonathan M. Katz who is the author of The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster
View article »

Friday, February 22, 2013

Sentinel and Enterprise: Fitchburg couple love to help Haiti
View article »

Saturday, January 5, 2013

The Economist: Still waiting for recovery

Three years after a devastating earthquake, the “Republic of NGOs” has become the country of the unemployed
View article »

Friday, December 14, 2012

Haitian Outreach: January is Haiti Month at St. Bernard Parish at St. Camillus Church in Fitchburg, MA

There will be a bucket at each entrance of the church during the month of January for donations. We will be traveling to Haiti on March 5, 2013 with 10 travelers including Deacon John and Sandra Carney and Louis & Claire Giuliani of this Parish.
View flyer »

Friday, December 7, 2012

San José State University Department of Economics: Political and Economic History of Haiti
View webpage »

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

BrandAid Project present: Peace Quilts

Check out this wonderful short video which showcases PeaceQuilts' partnership with BrandAid.
View video »

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The Atlantic: The Other Hurricane Sandy: The Storm's Impact in Haiti
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Sunday, September 2, 2012

Boston Herald: Poor kids in Haiti get helping hand (and full backpacks) from Mass. group
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Sunday, August 26, 2012

CBS Miami: Isaac Death Toll Rises In Haiti & Dominican Republic
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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Haitian Outreach - A note from Claire, Haitian Outreach Coordinator

August is approaching very quickly. Our first shipment of backpacks is being shipped July 20. Have you started making yours? Please let me know if you need help. We have made 160 of them so far and we can help you. Send $60.00 to Claire Guiliani, 144 Chester Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 and we will make one for your child. Call me if you have questions 978-424-7351.

Thanks,
Claire

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

"In Haiti's Hands" - A dream-like portrait of the poor in Haiti focuses on a group of nuns as they struggle to lift their people up. Directed by Jeremy Mayhew.
View video »

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

An Evening of Contemporary Roots-Soul Music by RAM in New York City
Date: Friday, April 27, Doors 11pm, Show 12 am & 2 am
Venue: S.O.B.'s

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Haitian Outreach - A note from Claire, Haitian Outreach Coordinator

Hello, I hope you have had a wonderful Easter and a healthy spring. Louis and I have returned from Haiti and it was a great trip except for the 4.6 earthquake we had. The people are still so scared of having another big one. Haiti is progressing after the quake of 2010 thanks to the Clinton Bush Foundation. The new president of Haiti is working with them and a lot is being done, finally big trucks, equipment to haul the debris, solar street lights, work at $2.00 American dollars a day for people to carry debris and load trucks for 9 hours a day. Gas there is $7.00 dollars a gallon. All of our property is rebuilt and our six schools repaired. We now have 417 sponsored kids in school and I brought 40 new photos of kids that need sponsors. School in Haiti is not free, no public school system, so a child that goes to school is very lucky. If you know of anyone who would like to sponsor one of our kids let me know. Tuition is $125.00 a year for school (uniform, shots, and a bowl of rice each day). Also $60.00 for a backpack filled with necessities for a total of $185.00 due by August.

Thanks, Love,

Louis & Claire Giuliani
Tel: 978-345-7223
E-mail: memandgrampy[at]aol[dot]com

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Haitian Outreach - A note from Claire, Haitian Outreach Coordinator

Dear Haitian Outreach Child Sponsor,
I would like you to know that we are going to Haiti on March 4, 2012 for two weeks to visit your child. Ten of us will be traveling and if you wish I would be happy to hand carry any letter, photo, or monetary gift to your child. Please send it to me by the end of February to:

Claire Giuliani
144 Chester St.
Fitchburg, MA 01420

Please pray for a safe trip to Haiti and we will have updated files for you when we return.

Thank you for your support,

Louis & Claire Giuliani
Tel: 978-345-7223
E-mail: memandgrampy[at]aol[dot]com

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Rolling Stone: Beyond Relief - How The World Failed Haiti
View article »

Friday, September 16, 2011

AFP: Haiti MPs approve Bill Clinton aide as new PM
View article »

Monday, July 18, 2011

WBUR: MGH Returns To Haiti To Fight Cholera
View article »

Monday, July 11, 2011

Haitian Outreach - A note from Claire, Haitian Outreach Coordinator

Hello sponsor of one of our Haitian children. I hope your summer is going well. Have you started making your child's backpack yet? So far we have made about 80 of them. We will be sending out our first shipment at the end of July. If you wish us to make your child's backpack please send $60 to Claire Giuliani, 144 Chester St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 as soon as you can and we will be happy to make it for you. Tuition will be due before September 1st ($125) so your child can happily start a new year of school. Thank you so much for all that you do for the poor of Haiti. Have a great rest of the summer.

- Claire Giuliani

Monday, April 4, 2011

Reuters: Outsider Martelly sweeps Haiti's presidential election
View article »

Friday, March 25, 2011

NY Times: The Accidental Activist
View article »

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Haitian Outreach
March 2011 Update - Update from Louis & Claire Giuliani about recent March 2011 Haitian Outreach trip.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Haitian Outreach
HAITI 2011 - Pictures from our March 2011 Haitian Outreach trip.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Time: Haiti's Long, Drawn-Out Presidential Election
View article »

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC): Disaster to Decentralization - Haiti's long-term recovery
View video »

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

ThomasNet: From Ruin Toward Recovery: Haiti One Year Later
View article »

Monday, January 17, 2011

NPR: 'Baby Doc' returns to Haiti after 25 years
View article »

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

A Report from the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission
Haiti One Year Later: The Progress to Date and the Path Forward
View report »

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

BBC: Haiti elections trigger tense period of political limbo
View article »

Friday, November 5, 2010

Miami Herald: Hurricane Tomas floods coastal cities in Haiti
View article »

Saturday, October 23, 2010

AFP: Haiti cholera epidemic kills 220
View article »

October 2010

PeaceQuilts Partners with Macy's to Help Rebuild Economy and Culture in Earthquake-Devastated Haiti

Just in time for the holidays, you can go to Macy's.com to order from a collection of beautiful, affordable, artisan-made goods, including a selection of quilted items made by the women of the PeaceQuilts' cooperatives in Haiti. They are being sold as part of Macy's initiative "The Heart of Haiti", designed to put artisans back to work and reinvigorate the Haitian economy. Join us in New York City on Wednesday, October 6 at 5:00 PM for the kick-off event! Meet the artists, including 2 of our quilters - enjoy Haitian food, music and even a dance performance by master quilter Sr. Angela! Heart of Haiti products will soon be in 25 Macy's stores across the country.

You can also go online to the PeaceQuilts store at www.haitipeacequilts.org to buy our one-of-a-kind art quilts.

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

TIME: Wyclef Jean to Run for President of Haiti
View article »

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Haitian Outreach
PICTURES FROM HAITI - latest pictures include March 2010 Haitian Outreach trip from Claire.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

An Evening of Contemporary Roots-Soul Music by RAM in New York City
Date: Wednesday, Jun 16, 9:00 p.m. (7:30 p.m. Doors)
Venue: S.O.B.'s

Monday, May 24, 2010

Martha's Vineyard Fish Farm for Haiti Summer Clambake Benefit
Date: July 16, 2010
Place: Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury, MA

More info »

Friday, May 14, 2010

Haitian Outreach
PICTURES FROM HAITI - latest pictures include March 2010 Haitian Outreach trip from Gloria.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Haitian Outreach
March 2010 Update - Update from Louis & Claire Giuliani about recent March 2010 Haitian Outreach trip.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Over US $5 billion pledged for Haiti’s recovery

International Donors' Conference Towards a New Future for Haiti
United Nations HQ, New York City, March 31, 2010
www.haiticonference.org

The Government of Haiti
Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti
View document »

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Creole Lesson du Jour

Greeting: Sak pase? - What's happening?
Response: N'ap boule - We're burning (literally), We're ok (figuratively)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Sentinel & Enterprise: ‘It looked like a bombing’

Fitchburg couple returns from humanitarian-aid trip to Haiti
View article »

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Haitian Outreach

Pictures from Haiti - photos by Axelle from recent March 2010 Haitian Outreach trip.

Wednesday, March 30, 2010

FRONTLINE: The Quake - A powerful report on Haiti’s tragedy, with never-before-seen footage of the moments after the quake. What can be done now -- and who will do it?

View the program »

Thursday, March 25, 2010 5:33 p.m.

Haitian Outreach

A message from Norman - Haitian Outreach Director

Hi to all, We are in Haiti, and it is much worse than we could imagine it would be. We are staying at the fish farm (Lilavois). It is very hot hot hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but we will survive so don't worry.

Love Norman and Gloria

Monday, March 15, 2010

Benefit Concert for Haiti - co-sponsored by The French Institute Alliance Française and The Cultural Services of the French Embassy
Date: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 8 p.m.
Location: Florence Gould Hall in New York, NY

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 11:33 p.m.

PICTURES FROM HAITI

Here is the latest batch of photos from Wesner in Port-au-Prince.

For Haitian Outreach Sponsors

Haitian Outreach

A note from Claire - Haitian Outreach Coordinator

I would like you to know that we are going to Haiti on March 19, 2010 for two weeks to visit your child.

12 of us will be traveling and if you wish I would be happy to hand carry any monetary gift, photo, or letter to your child.

You can send it to:

Claire Giuliani
144 Chester St.
Fitchburg, MA 01420

Please pray for a safe trip to Haiti and we will have updated files for you when we return.

Thank you for your support.

Louis & Claire Giuliani
Tel. 978-345-7223

Sunday, February 14, 2010 4:01 p.m.

Reuters: Haiti airport to reopen for big carriers on Friday

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 8:17 a.m.

PICTURES FROM HAITI

Wesner is sending more photos from Port-au-Prince. The latest photos show some of the everyday routine. They show how many live in tent cities or make-shift shacks and the long lines for food and water.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:36 p.m.

Country music group Maverick Street Band is planning a benefit concert for Haiti at the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School in Fitchburg, MA.

Location: Monty Tech Dukakis Auditorium
Date: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Concert tickets are $20 each. All the proceeds are going to support Haiti through Mission E4 and Forward in Health.

Monday, February 8, 2010 6:20 p.m.

Harvard student benefit concert to raise relief funds for Haiti

On Friday, February 12, 2010, at 7 p.m. Harvard College students have planned a benefit concert to raise relief funds for Haiti. The concert will be held in Sanders Theatre and simulcast on the web.

All proceeds from ticket sales to support Partners in Health aid work in Haiti.

More info »

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 8:35 p.m.

Haitian Outreach

February 2010 Update - A note from Norman Charpentier, Director of Haitian Outreach.

Saturday, January 30, 2010 4:35 p.m.

PICTURES FROM HAITI

Wesner sent more photos from Port-au-Prince.

Friday, January 28, 2010 6:54 p.m.

A Conversation with Winddchelley

Forward - Winddcheley is a good friend of mine. Up until the earthquake he was studying diplomacy in his third year at university. Both his home and university now lay in rubble and he now asks the question that many others are asking—Now what? I catch him online and ask about the conditions and how he is doing.

Greg: So where are you living now?

Winddcheley: I don't have a specific place. Last night I slept in Petion-ville, this morning I was at St. Marie, now I don't know where I should go.

Greg: Are you able to get food and water?

Winddcheley: yes
but it's a struggle every day
people fight for it
I can't do that every day
you have to stay hours and hours in a long long line just for some food and some water
that's very hard

Winddcheley: I would love you to come see what Haiti looks like now
we have nothing now Greg
everything is gone
we are now the poorest country in the world Greg
life is so hard
harder than it was

Winddcheley: so now, you need 5 Haitian dollars (previous price was 3) to buy a bottle of water. Imagine that life here in Haiti Greg.

Afterward - In Haiti the situation was dire to begin with long before the earthquake. This disaster has only amplified the everyday struggle for the very basics to sustain and live. Tonight I send him money through Western Union.

Thursday, January 28, 2010 8:54 p.m.

Martha's Vineyard Fish Farm for Haiti Project

Sixteen Days Après Séisme (After Quake) - Update

Thursday, January 28 5:24 p.m.

It is hard to put into words. Parfois la vie est tres dificile only begins to describe life there.

Monday, January 25, 2010 7:21 a.m.

What is Haitian Outreach? To me it is an oasis of good in a land of struggle and despair. I am currently writing more about who Haitian Outreach is and what Haitian Outreach does. Look back here for more on what I write.

I found this document, Haitian Outreach Goals, which helps explain what was accomplished through the years. It needs to be updated to cover up until now but it's a good start.

Friday, January 22, 2010 1:18 p.m.

PICTURES FROM HAITI

Wesner sent more photos from in and around the Port-au-Prince area.

Thursday, January 21, 2010 2:14 p.m.

PICTURES FROM ST MARIE

Wesner sent photos taken from St. Marie in Canapé Vert. This is the location where we stay when we visit.

Thursday, January 21, 2010 10:14 p.m.

The other day in Chicago I had some time before heading off to the airport to return home from a business trip. I went to Starbucks to get a coffee and catch up on some phone calls and emails. I called Karen to find out the latest details she knew about our group in Haiti. She told me some good news about a friend traveling there to visit our loved ones in Port-au-Prince. He was to travel there by way of flying to the Dominican Republic first and then to travel the rest by road. While I was talking on the phone there was a woman sitting next to me reading about the latest news about Haiti on her iPhone. After my call ended she asked me about Port-au-Prince and my connection to Haiti. After telling her about the wonderful things Haitian Outreach does she offered me a check on the spot. One of the great benefits to helping with Haitian Outreach is the wonderful and caring people you meet with generous hearts.

Thursday, January 21, 2010 12:44 p.m.

Drack writes:

About my sister, I don't know yet. She was with a friend in Port au Prince when the earthquake happened. That friend died, but somebody told me that they were not together when that happened. So, because my sister did not have a phone I still could not know where she is. I hope she is alive. I am praying. About my plans I am going to think and will let you know as soon as possible. Thank you for being supportive. I love you, Drack

Monday, January 18, 2010 6:26 p.m.

Good news Yeye is alive, Patrick is alive, and the Ismael family.

Monday, January 18, 2010 3:41 p.m.

Wesner writes:

As a miracle I am still alive and Yvens also. The country is completely destroyed, all the houses at Ste Marie too, except the Bureau Leclerc. We don't know what we are going to do, no food, no drink. We cannot breathe because there are many dead bodies in the street. We really need help, let the others know about that. You can send us some money at Western Union but there is no office open yet. Any way you can send it if you can, let me know soon. I will contact you tomorrow . God bless you. And thank you for worrying about me. - Wesner

Saturday, January 16, 2010 5:39 p.m.

In Haiti, the phrase "Life there is difficult" is an understatement. I was able to chat with Winddcheley over the internet this afternoon. I was able to get a sense of the state of mind there and the outlook is one of despair.

It is a nightmare. Everything is gone... housing, universities, stores, businesses all gone. And that is just the material structures. Life now consists of survival outside with little food, unclean water, and the smell of death hangs in the air.

Life before the earthquake was already difficult. Before the earthquake, there were stories of death without dignity. Horrific and unimaginable stories—Babies which don't have proper burial are fed on by pigs.. Another story of having to move your loved one from one morgue to another to avoid rats consuming the corpse.. It then goes from bad to worse. Post-earthquake, bodies line the streets of Port au Prince and dogs are eating the decomposing bodies. The phrase "Life there is difficult" doesn't even begin to describe it.

All we can do is to help them get through these times with whatever support we can give... for all of us to come together and empower them to rebuild their lives again.

Saturday, January 16, 2010 2:31 p.m.

Of the approximate 40 young women living at Ste. Marie, 15 are unaccounted for. They are believed to have died in the ruble of the collapsed building.

Friday, January 15, 2010 5:54 p.m.

Just received word from Karen that Drack and Wesner are alive and well. What a big relief!

Friday, January 15, 2010 5:33 p.m.

After sending emails and voicemails today, I still haven't heard from anyone in our group. I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

Thursday, January 14, 2010 11:13 p.m.

5 of the 15 girls under the rubble at Ste Marie have been rescued alive.

Thursday, January 14, 2010 9:17 p.m.

Margaret has received another call from Sr. Cadet's brother. The updates with some corrections and precisions are:

One Sister died (Sr. Thonie) and one postulant (we do not know her name)

All the buildings at Ste Marie have collapsed or are too precarious to live in. The Sisters are sleeping in a tent in the courtyard.

No other new injuries have been added to the list.

Thursday, January 14, 2010 6:25 p.m.

For St. Marie we have heard from Sr. Cadet's brother. The good news: Sr. Gibbs, Sr. Marlene & Sr. Cadet are all well. The bad news: 3 sisters are believed dead under the rubble of a building at St. Marie (we do not know their names) and 15 of the children. The school in Lalue collapsed. No news of the sisters there. Good news: Lilavois is intact.

Thursday, January 14, 2010 4:29 p.m.

As of today, Thursday, we have heard very little from Haiti. On a normal day, the communications and electricity in Haiti are spotty and intermittent. We are still waiting to hear from our Sisters at St. Marie. We hope to hear from them soon.

We have received some good news from our man Winddcheley. He has lost everything but he is alive in Fond de Blanc on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince.

Thursday, January 14, 2010 3:44 p.m.

From looking at satellite images of the buildings at Lalue, Croix des Bouquet, and Lilavois, they all appear to be intact. I am concerned with the St. Marie location. Most notably with the largest of the buildings which houses the kitchen, girls' bunk beds, Nuns' sleeping quarters, and chapel. The image shows shadows where there shouldn't be any. I am hoping and praying for their safety.

Road Trip

View the Great American Road Trip »

Dragonflies

Dragonflies are everywhere »

Dalmatian puppies for sale - looking for a few good homes for a new litter of dalmatian puppies in MA.

We Are the World 25 for Haiti

First, Second, and Third World Defined

Cold War Divisions

This graphic shows the three worlds as separated during the Cold War era. The First World countries were those aligned with either capitalism or NATO, the Second World countries were those aligned with communism and the Soviet Union, and Third World countries were those that were non-aligned or neutral in terms of the cold war.

First World: the United States and its allies Second World: the Soviet Union and its allies Third World: Non-aligned and neutral countries

Source: www.wikipedia.org