Global Link Winter 2014 | Page 4

4 Global Link Vol. 1 No. 2 Haiti: Stories of Hope and Progress Four years of rebuilding Four years after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake ripped through Haiti on January 12, 2010, The Salvation Army continues to work with impacted communities, giving Haitians the tools they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. While the catastrophe was lethal, collapsing hundreds of communities into dusty heaps and killing an estimated 250,000 people, the will of the Haitians to survive is inspiring. “It was a sunny day. I was at home when, late in the afternoon, the ground under my feet suddenly started to shake,” says 29-year-old Jean-Charles. “In seconds, the wall of my house tumbled down and clouds of dust filled the air. I thought it was the end of the world.” While Jean-Charles lost everything, he is happy because he, his wife and son, took refuge under a kitchen table and emerged from the debris relatively unscathed. Others weren’t so fortunate. Today, life is better for Jean-Charles. As one of 560 benefactors of The Salvation Army’s vocational training program he has received his certificate in mechanical auto repair. From brake-system and body repair to diagnosing and repairing complicated car electrical systems, Jean- Charles looks forward to each day with a renewed hope and confidence that enables him to support his family. “We are living a better life,” says Jean-Charles. “The Salvation Army made me feel like I really mattered and for that, I will be forever grateful.” In March 2012, The Salvation Army, which has been working in Haiti since 1950, expanded its earthquake redevelopment services by launching a five-year, $3.6-million Integrated Family Support Project (IFSP). The incredible generosity of our donors made it possible for the project to be funded entirely by The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory. The project includes four components— permanent housing, vocational training, livelihood support and agricultural support. Visit our website for more inspirational stories! www.saworldmissions.ca @saworldmissions If you wish to subscribe to our free newsletter, please call us at 416-422-6224, email world_m [email protected] or visit our website at www.saworldmissions.ca Global Link Winter 2014, Volume 1, Number 2 Published by The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Territory World Missions Department 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to World Missions - Global Link, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4 Legal Disclaimer... © 2013 The Salvation Army. All rights reserved.