We were able to have a phone interview with Rod Leger, an agent of Convoy of Hope, today (Wednesday, 10 February 2010). Here is a brief on that phone conversation ... shore4haiti: First, Mr. Leger, we'd like to thank Convoy of Hope so much for getting all our donations on the ground and distributed in Haiti in such a timely manner. Mr. Leger: Convoy of Hope is so glad to have your team to turn to for supplies. We could do nothing without groups like yours. shore4haiti: Can you give us a brief update about how things have been going in Haiti? Mr. Leger: Our team has been on the ground in Haiti for years and we were already serving out thousands of meals and providing much needed supplies to the people there, we were also working closely with our strategic partners, one is, Mission of Hope, in Haiti. [ WATCH THE NBC SEGMENT ON MISSION OF HOPE. ] Our compound is about 20 miles outside of Port-au-Prince and we have direct supply-lines to people further into Haiti's interior who were affected outside the city. shore4haiti: How many have been served since the earthquake? Mr. Leger: 3 million. You see, we already had a full stock on the ground when the earthquake hit. So we were a bit ahead of it. However, no one, no organization, could have expected the level of devastation. Our team is seasoned and was able to get into the swing of things but they have been working 14 hour shifts and need a break, they switch out with another team on Friday for a few days then that team gets out and the 1st one returns. shore4haiti: This must all be emotionally and psychologically exhausting as well. Mr. Leger: Our Convoy of Hope Director was on the ground in Haiti when the earthquake hit. He had been there for some time, but the effect of the earthquake and the resulting changes have been nightmarish: The distribution points keep moving as the masses of people move too. This makes it harder, but not impossible, to know where they will be for distribution to get to them. And we have been reaching them. However we are responsible for our workers and we insist on having our teams inside our compound by nightfall. The unfortunate bands of marauders and looters are out in full force and those most vulnerable are getting hurt. Those who travel without security are most at risk. We have had a number of people insist on volunteering but we must turn them all away. "Not yet," we tell them, "It's too soon yet." shore4haiti: Pastor Cedric Miller and Pastor Sony Augustin from the Ministry of Pastors for Haiti are concerned that there will be less of a focus on Haiti, as Pastor Sony says, "After the cameras have left". We are so grateful to know that the Convoy of Hope will continue its service to the people of Haiti long after the TV crews leave. Mr. Leger: The Convoy of Hope is one important part of the process, but we cannot do what we need to do, without you. |