In an effort to be transparent with just exactly what we are doing with all donations that we receive, we would like to share a breakdown of the costs associated with our work in Fond Parisien in 2010.  Please do keep in mind that Physical Therapy is the NUMBER 1 need in Haiti!  There are 200,000 severely injured people that span 3 generations of Haitians.  HOLIA has been concentrating on 200 severely injured that currently reside in a displacement camp that has approximately 2000 total residents.  Because this is Haiti & not a completely stable economic environment, costs are constantly changing, but the following includes costs to date as well as projected costs through October.

We currently ask the volunteers to donate $20 per night of their time in Fond Parisien, up to a 10-night maximum.  Initially, that donation money was covering MOST of our costs.  However, our costs have recently increased due to (1) the recent GREAT news of Betsy Murphy so graciously and generously RESIGNING from her job in order to lead our HOLIA efforts on-site (coordinate volunteers as well as patient care and needs), and (2) Love A Child requesting that we help cover their costs for the 1 sleeping room (with 4 bunk beds & room for up to 3 cots) that they have made available to us.

Following is our breakdown of total costs from February through October of 2010 in Haiti:

(1) Translators & local PT aides — $5040
(2) Lodging/upkeep charge — $3100
(3) Betsy’s volunteer expenses — $2900

** Although she is volunteering her time for nearly 3 months, we would like to cover her trip costs, if at all possible!

(4) Gasoline for vehicle (provides local volunteer transportation) — $2620
(5) Camp Supplies (for the initial camp, ice chest, water dispenser and kitchen supplies) – $900
(6) Phone Charges (calls to hospitals, prosthetists, LAC, HHI, airport transport, and volunteer coordination) — $900
(7) Shipping costs (volunteers have collected shoes, clothing, medical equipment, prosthetics, stump shrinkers, walkers, crutches, canes, et al.) — $1800
(8) Materials (HOLIA has purchased medical, PT & nutritional supplies, footwear, et al.) — $4400
(9) Office supplies (for the running of the camp clinic) — $600
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TOTAL costs = $22,260

Volunteer Fees Received & Projected — $7,300

Contributions received (Feb – July) — $7,500
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Total Amount Needed (projected) = $7,460

Hands of Light in Action started at a ZERO balance with the project in Haiti (as with each previous disaster project) so that 100 PERCENT OF THE DONATIONS GO TO DISASTER-SPECIFIC NEEDS. One additional amount that is not included in the above is HOLIA’s standing practice of leaving a donation to the organization that was gracious enough to accommodate our volunteers (for the Haiti project – Love A Child orphanage). Any excess donations will be given to Love A Child, designated to go towards the building of the 350 homes that have been committed for Camp Hope. The donation is presented as a BIG THANK YOU for the hospitality, coordination, caring, support and organization that they have supplied to so many HOLIA volunteers. We sincerely hope to have a sufficient excess of funds to be able to support their laudable work.

Just to be completely clear, no volunteers (including Nancy, Betsy, Josh or anyone else involved in the coordination and administration of HOLIA) receive or accept any payment or compensation for time spent planning, organizing, preparing, coordinating volunteers, communication or web site administration. Like each HOLIA volunteer, we have poured out our love, time and energy to hopefully improve the lives of the people at Camp Hope. Our reward has been rejoicing over the postings of returning volunteers, witnessing life changing experiences, learning all about the hard work of each PT, PTA, student, aide and non-medical volunteer. These experiences often include frustrations, joys, heartaches and LOTS of excitement as they relate the status & progress of the patients. HOLIA volunteers have conquered monumental challenges, touched Love A Child staff, improved life in Fond Parisien, and shared generously with several hundred severely injured people in Haiti.

Please support our cause in what ever way you can!

Together Wondrous Changes Happen,

Nancy Malone
President/Founder
Hands of Light in Action