Content
Update #21 -- A Timely Message to Friends and Donors of Fonkoze Regarding the Earthquake
Fri., Jan. 29, 2010 – 6:35 PM (EST)
We have a very creative and interesting note of interest to share with you today, as the Fonkoze Family continues to make progress on the many challenges facing us.
You may remember that the Bizoton Branch was totally devastated. We knew that early on.
Yesterday a grant of $25,000 was secured to launch an innovative pilot project that will get the branch operating almost immediately. The plan is to operate Bizoton out of a van that is owned by Alternative Insurance Company (AIC). It has speakers, it’s covered in advertisements about micro-insurance, and it’s well equipped. Within a few days we’ll be operating the branch out of the van.
In the relatively near term, there are plans to establish the branch in a building location some days of the week, and then, on the other days of the week, operate a “roving branch” in the van in nearby neighborhoods. It will be the first mobile bank branch in Haiti (this is being done in other countries as an actual methodology). The funder is an international Christian media network that will be documenting the mobile branch (van).
Last night, a fundraiser for Fonkoze was organized by volunteers in Seattle including several staff of Grameen Foundation. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the organizers and to all those who made contributions at this event.
Donations and pledges continue to come. I would remind you that donors from the UK may receive the benefits of charitable giving by contributing through BRAC UK’S website: http://www.bracuk.net/default.aspx?id=5
Also, donors in the U.S. may elect to take a tax deduction for aid to Haiti in either tax year 2009 or 2010 for contributions that are made after Jan. 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010.
Please consider the urgent needs of your brothers and sisters in Haiti and donate online at this link using Visa, MasterCard or American Express. ...Or make checks payable to FONKOZE USA and mail to:
FONKOZE USA
50 F Street, NW
Suite 810
Washington, DC 20001
Fonkoze continues to need your help through prayers and contributions!
Cordially,
John Mercier
President
Fonkoze USA