EarthSpark International
Eradicating energy poverty in Haiti
A Letter from the Directors
Dear Friends,
Both globally and locally, the problems afflicting the world which inspired us to found EarthSpark International have not shown signs of disappearing. Factors attributed to causing global climate change continue to intensify, while the global financial crisis has only made economic matters worse for the poorest of the poor.
In Haiti, there are still no alternatives to dirty fuels and inefficient end-use technologies. As Haitians brace for the 2009 hurricane season, denuded watersheds will yet again create ideal conditions for death and destruction. We came to many of you three months ago requesting that you support us in a quixotic mission to redress global inequities through truly innovative processes. The response we received was overwhelming, which is why it is with great pleasure and pride that we submit to you our first Quarterly Progress Report. Only through your generous support have we been able to sow the seeds of tangible improvement in the lives of the 50,000 members of our partner communities.
In this report you will read about the current status of our projects in Haiti, our matching gifts drive sponsored by Frontier Utilities of Texas, and our ongoing re-branding effort assisted by the Boston communications firm Rasky-Baerlein. You will also hear from new voices to EarthSpark International – Energy Systems Engineer Peter McPhee and Director of Development Alexis Vanderhye.
We hope that you can sense our excitement about this work, which has only been made possible because of you.
Sincerely,
Dan Schnitzer, Co-Director
Justin Dargin, Co-Director