| Tom Bissonette of Parr Auto Body at the future site of Haiti’s collision repair school. Help is being sought to purchase equipment, train instructors, and secure other needed items. |
Toronto, Ontario — July 14, 2014 — The Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) is bringing the Canadian automotive industry together to help support a very worthy cause abroad. The Haiti ARISE Technical Institute exists to provide quality and practical education and hands-on training in skilled trades and technical studies to the people of Haiti.
The original school facility had just been completed before the January 12, 2010 earthquake, which severely damaged it beyond repair. Now, reconstruction is well underway, and the teaching facility needs to be equipped to deliver desperately needed education in proper automotive mechanical and collision repairs. Members of the collision industry can help by donating tools, equipment and industry supplies, volunteering to train the Haiti ARISE Technical Institute instructors, and financially sponsor Haiti ARISE instructors and students.
The goal is to provide the tools, equipment and training to create a long-term sustainable educational program that will improve the lives of thousands of Haitian families and create positive change in the community and country.
Facts
- Haiti ARISE technical institute serves an area populated by over 415,000 people.
- 70 percent of this population are between the ages of 8 to 25.
- Haiti ARISE currently has 381 elementary students and 406 college students attending school.
- Students of all ages walk several miles each way, and pay a nominal fee to attend school.
- College level courses are current offered in: computer technology, construction, tiling, plumbing and electrical. Next courses to be added: automotive (mechanical, collision repair), carpentry, welding, sewing, nursing, secretarial and accounting.
- 100 percent of students who complete their education find employment.
- Construction of the automotive building is nearly complete. Another collision repair specific building is planned.
- I-CAR Canada has donated all of their course materials in both English and French.
- Three members of the CCIF Haiti ARISE committee (Leanne Jefferies, Tom Bissonnette, Brad Banman) visited the facility in March 2014 to validate the organization, teaching facility and their needs. It was everything expected, and more.
- The support being provided is creating a sustainable future for the school and the entire community.
How you can help
1. Donation of new or gently used tools or equipment and supplies from the list of needs. Contact James Roberts to arrange shipping by email at James.Roberts@haitiarise.org or by phone at 1-403-708-9225.
2. Volunteer in person at Haiti ARISE and provide technical or business training to college teachers, help setup equipment, and general assistance to get classes running. Group trips will be arranged in early 2015. Costs of approximately $1300/pp include airfare, ground transfers, accommodation and an experience of a lifetime.
3. One-time Financial Contribution of any amount. A charitable receipt will be provided.
You can select the following options, for your donation: Building/infrastructure/development costs for automotive trades classrooms
4. Monthly Financial contribution as follows:
•Sponsor an Automotive College student $120/month
•Sponsor an Automotive College teacher $320/month.
•General Automotive donation monthly – any amount you select
To donate, please visit HaitiArise.org and select a donation option. Donations can be made online or by downloading and completing the appropriate authorization form and send by mail to the address provided on the site.
For more information on CCIF, please visit CCIF.ca.
