The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Invests $3.5MM to Help Continue Hope for Haiti’s Mission.

Proven Model for Sustainable Communities Inspires Renewed Hope for the Future

Naples, FL (March 31, 2015) – Five years after a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti and 25 years after Hope for Haiti began its charitable work, progress is evident. Rural Haiti is developing. Thanks to the unfaltering commitment of Hope for Haiti donors, including inaugural Heart Society members Bob and Renee Parsons, a successful model for sustainable communities has been realized.

The Parsons, who have made delivering hope to others a cornerstone of their charitable work, have supported Hope for Haiti’s humanitarian efforts since 2010. In February 2015, the couple made their third trip to Haiti to see first-hand the impact of their five-year commitment.

What they discovered during their trip was a remarkable transformation.

“During our first visit to Haiti four years ago, we realized how very special the Haitian people are,” said Bob Parsons. “We also recognized that Haiti is a place where our help can make a real difference. Today, the progress is encouraging and there is a renewed sense of hope among the people; but there is still a lot of work to be done.”

There are many notable signs of progress in Hope for Haiti’s partner communities.  The two schools visited by the Parsons have grown to serve more than 1,000 students and, for the first time, these students have the potential to graduate and continue their education in college or vocational school. Gardens now produce fresh vegetables for the school lunch program and wells provide clean, potable water for the entire community.

Additional signs of progress include the build-out and enhancement of school structures and facilities, the redirection of a ravine that was threatening to wash away a school, and the founding of the very first girls soccer teams.

“Our relationship with the people of Haiti has brought us great joy,” said Renee Parsons. “We plan to support efforts to continue the progress, so that the people of an often forgotten nation can have the means and foundation to know the prosperity much of the rest of world enjoys.”

As a result of their mission trip, Bob and Renee Parsons announced a $3.5 million grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to continue to improve the quality of life for the people of Haiti.

The grant will enable Hope for Haiti to significantly enhance and expand medical services at Infirmary St. Etienne. The expansion will increase the capacity of the facility by 20 percent, helping insure no man, woman or child in need of outpatient care is turned away. The gift will also allow for further improvements to the Foyer St. Etienne, a home for abandoned seniors, and continued support for the orphaned children at Missionaries of Charity.

“The Parsons not only invest in our programs, they invest in each individual we serve,” Hope for Haiti CEO Tiffany Kuehner added. “Their multi-year commitment and long-term vision has allowed Hope for Haiti to accelerate its work in creating sustainable communities and tackle poverty at its core for generations to come.”

For more information about the Hope for Haiti or to join the Heart Society by making a five-year pledge visit, www.HopeForHaiti.com.