My name is Lucie. I will be graduating from high school next month. Back in 2022 the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to be part of a service project through my church to help Haiti. I attended middle school with two friends that were from Haiti. They lived with a family in my home town for two years but then moved back to their homeland shortly before the devastating earthquake in 2021.
I organized and hosted a bake sale to raise money for the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund and raised over $1,500.00. After the project was completed, God was calling me to do more. My passion for athletics has provided me with lifelong skills, lessons, relationships, and pride. By focusing on things that I am most grateful for, I aimed my efforts on how I could incorporate sports and hope for the future of Haiti. I researched Haiti and found GOALS Haiti. After reading their mission, I knew that I must reach out and see how I could help.
I emailed the Executive Director, Kathy McAllister who immediately emailed me back with some information. We set up a conference call and later discussed my motivation to help and the options available to help. After she informed me that I could send new or gently used soccer equipment, I went right to work. I met with my church mentor, the high school athletic director, and a business owner (my dad). I made posters, attached them to containers for the donations, and put them in all three locations. I posted my idea on social media, contacted friends and family, and my local Soccer Association. Through word of mouth it was a great success.
Also, all the collections taken at our annual vacation bible school at church were given to me for my fundraiser. Due to generous donations, I was able to collect 56 pairs of cleats, 34 pairs of shin guards, 46 soccer balls, goalie gloves, flags, and socks. The monetary donations were used to ship the seven larger boxes to Miami, Florida. From there the boxes were shipped by boat to Haiti. Due to security concerns, the boxes were delayed, but finally reached their destination in March 2024.
I am proud to have partnered with GOALS Haiti to advance youth leadership through soccer and education to create stronger, healthier communities in Haiti. Lastly, I am confident that I will continue to participate in humanitarian services again soon.
I would like to sponsor a soccer team and eventually travel to Haiti to make a difference in the lives of the Haitian youth. Thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of GOALS mission.