Non-profit organization launches www.haveyouheard.tv with Live Webcast to raise awareness and funds to support miraculous change in Haiti
Contact: John Hagerman, 651-777-6908, 612-669-7365 cell, jhagerman@worldwidevillage.org
SAINT PAUL, Minn., Nov. 5, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Haiti is one of those places where the needs are so great and diverse, it's hard to know where to begin. St. Paul based World Wide Village is combining social media, technology and extraordinary people in a live webcast they hope will create a new beginning for the organization's efforts in Haiti. The webcast, scheduled for 8pm Central time on Friday, November 16th, is part of the new www.HaveYouHEARD.tv web channel. The event will bring together supporters, athletes and celebrities from across the country and around the globe with the goal of promoting a better Haiti for the generations to come.
More than 380,000 remain in makeshift tent cities, many surviving in muddy conditions with little access to food and water following the devastation resulting from the floods and mudslides caused by Hurricane Sandy – these people are still living in temporary shelters almost 3 years after the destructive earthquake that struck the country in January 2010. With no government structure readily available no solution exists to assist the victims and their families in the search for suitable housing. The H.E.A.R.D. (Haitians Empowered and Ready to Develop) broadcast will increase awareness of the plight of the Haitian people and help raise financial support to construct safe and secure cement block homes, using trained Haitian construction teams.
In addition, World Wide Village schools in Haiti have experienced 30% growth in attendance this year, causing financial pressure on supporting the daily meals, teachers training and salaries, along with improved classroom tools. During the H.E.A.R.D. broadcast, viewers will be encouraged to sponsor a student by committing to a $28 monthly donation to the Student Sponsorship program.
Participants in the 33 minute broadcast will include Apprentice #1 and Style Network star Bill Rancic, Haitian Olympian Pascale Delaunay, actress and activist Maria Bello, Anedie Azael who was Miss Haiti Universe 2011,and more. Participants will be encouraged to fund the construction of 12 homes, urged to sponsor 75 students, and exhorted to travel to Haiti on a mission team to foster connections with Haitian families and communities. The financial goal for the event is $142,800, with the campaign launching on the 16th and concluding December 31, 2012.
"Goals for the event," according to Randy Mortensen, President of World Wide Village, the event producer and host, "include increasing awareness for the people of Haiti while encouraging financial support to construct homes and cover costs associated with improving the education for more than 1,000 Haitian children."
The event's financial sponsor is the Starkey Hearing Foundation, with additional support provided by AVVR and Netbriefings.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information about World Wide Village and the webcast go to - www.haveyouheard.tv - the live web event, or to setup interviews, please contact:
John Hagerman
World Wide Village, Inc.
616 Sims Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55130
Mobile: 612-669-7365
Office: 651-777-6908
Email: jhagerman@worldwidevillage.org
Website: www.WorldWideVillage.org
Website: www.haveyouheard.tv
