Honduras 2011

Tracy and I would like to share a project with you that has resonated well with us.  We are going to Honduras for two weeks in March, 2011 to help build a middle school.  We are hoping you might be able to help make the project a success. 

Why build a school in Honduras?

This is a volunteer project that combines many of the things that we both value. It is an opportunity to give to a community in need that will benefit tremendously. We will also make a personal connection with the Hondurans working alongside us.  It is a contribution to the educational system of rural Honduras, and we both believe that education is a vital part of a successful society.  It is a building project that is appropriate for the time and place, with low tech, efficient, cinder block construction. 

And of course it will be a challenging adventure . . .

We will fly to Honduras then take a bus to the Lago de Yojoa region, where we will stay in bunkhouse accommodation arranged by World Accord’s local partner.We will work in a group of seven volunteers for ten full days, taking a two-day break in the middle to see the ancient Mayan city of Copanand getting a better appreciation of the country. It will be a great experience that we look forward to sharing with you.

About World Accord

We gained confidence in the organization that runs the project, World Accord (a registered charity based in Waterloo, Ontario - http://www.worldaccord.org), through speaking with neighbours who participated in a similar World Accord project. World Accord works to ensure that the local community receives the greatest possible benefit. This includes: partnering with local charities in Honduras to arrange the logistics efficiently, hiring local building foremen to ensure the building is appropriate and that the technical knowledge is retained locally, and choosing sites for the schools to reach the maximum number of children.

Our Commitment

We are committing our time, effort and enthusiasm to this project and we plan to pay for our own transportation. We are also hoping to raise enough donations to cover materials and on-site costs. Our fund-raising target for the trip is $3,600. 

So how can you help?

Ø You can make donations of any size, which will be directed 100% to this project (or similar World Accord projects if we exceed our target).  Either send a cheque (with World Accord as the Payee and “Mike and Tracy Lewis, Honduras” on the memo line) to:

World Accord care of Mike and Tracy Lewis
please email for our street address if you don’t have it

Or

Donate via the CanadaHelps link on the World Accord website:
http://www.worldaccord.org/index.php/donate

Please choose “At World Accord’s Designation” and type “Construction Expeditions – Mike and Tracy Lewis” in the message box.

Ø You can attend our Central Americaat Sunset Dinner (the 15^th or 29^th of January) featuring inspired regional cuisine and a short presentation about the country and the trip.  There will be a $30 suggested donation at the time of the dinner.

Ø For the first few contributions of $300 or greater, we offer a special thank you gift – the complete use of our cottage for a weekend.  Please email (tracy@mikeandtracy.net) or call for the details.

Ø Non-monetary contributions are also welcome: our very cute kittens will need some company while we’re away.  J

We recognize that there are personal choices everyone has to make about the many worthy causes in the world, and only ask that you consider this project in your charitable contributions for the year. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please contact either of us if you have any questions.  If you do choose to contribute or are interested in the dinner, shoot us a quick email (tracy@mikeandtracy.net) so we can make sure your contribution is received.

We wish you all the best during the holiday season and in the year ahead.

Thank you,

Mike and Tracy