The Haiti Earthquake through a Bedford Academy Parent's Eyes
March 2010

The impact of the Haiti earthquake struck the Bedford Academy Community in a very direct, personal manner through one of its parents. Chris Hache, father of Charlotte Hache in Grade Four, landed in Haiti a mere two hours before the quake struck. His story of fate and the tremendous charitable action undertaking by Bedford Academy is described in the following exert from The Chronicle Herald’s, February 22nd, Buzz from the Burbs by Ed McHugh.

What an emotionally charged period of time we are currently experiencing. From the absolute despair felt by so many in Haiti to the exhilaration of the Winter Olympics, we are in a phase that we will never forget. As we observe the citizens of Haiti trying to rebuild a country that has had an unfair number of burdens, one cannot help but notice the spirit and determination of its citizens. I find myself reflecting upon the future of the country. Obviously, resources are going to have to come from other nations. But how long will it remain as a priority for others?

In the meantime, one can’t help but to be compelled to assist in whatever ways we can. There have been many events and drives to raise money and other items across the country. Local schools in our neighbourhoods have also been quite active.

Chris Hache is currently serving on a United Nations mission in Haiti and was there when the earthquake hit on January 12th. When he found out that his daughter's school, Bedford Academy had raised over $5000 for the Red Cross to use in Haiti, he was very impressed. He wrote to the school's Director, to congratulate her and the students. Here is the letter sent by Commander Chris Haché to Nancy Wallace, Director of Bedford Academy.

“Dear Nancy,

This is Chris Haché, Charlotte's dad. I was most impressed and proud to hear that Bedford Academy had raised so much money (over $5300), and that Charlotte's class raised the most money. I can assure you that this will go a long way towards helping bring relief to Haitians - I see the fine work done by the United Nations, international charitable organizations and military support on a daily basis.

"... Just before my return to Haiti on 12 January (yes, my plane landed two hours before the major earthquake), we had a birthday party for Charlotte. She asked that instead of presents for her, she would appreciate guests bringing toys for the children of Haiti. I believe that this is the kind of social responsibility and character education that a Bedford Academy student receives... Regards, Chris"

Last week, a representative of the Red Cross went to Bedford Academy to accept the cheque from the school. Charlotte’s Grade Four class presented the money, as they were the top fundraisers in the building. It was a lovely ceremony. It was noted that the needs were huge and that amount of money would go a long way to directly assist a number of the struggling Haitian residents.

As stated many times, charity begins at home. But, it can also extend to the global community. The enormous tasks facing the citizens of Haiti will continue for a long time. Consider keeping their plight in your charitable plans for the next few years. We can all learn from our fellow community members like Charlotte and Chris Hache and Nancy Wallace.

Previous | Auto/Stop Slideshow | Next

« RETURN TO Bedford Academy IN THE NEWS INDEX