Avalon Donates 200 Chairs for Haitian Relief Efforts

AVALON — The Borough of Avalon donated 200 metal folding chairs that are being replaced at Avalon Community Hall to the International Christian Development Mission. The organization provides substantial relief efforts to the residents of Haiti and includes a local ICDM Family Homes chapter based in Avalon. The chairs are being donated to ICDM to be used inside The Worship Room in a building that was constructed Bayonnais, Haiti.
“We are proud to find such a worthwhile and useful repurposing of these chairs that are being replaced at Community Hall”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “I want to thank local architect Will Haryslak and the many volunteers who assist with the Commission to bring awareness to our community of the needs of the people in Haiti. We are hopeful that the chairs will assist with the comfort and use in this building for years to come”.
ICDM Family Homes Director, Will Haryslak approached the Borough of Avalon regarding some needs of the families in Haiti. Avalon Recreation Director Chuck McDonnell had budgeted for the replacement of the chairs that are used for many regular and special events, including fitness programs, concerts, and dances. The chairs were turned over to the Commission for shipment to Haiti via a resolution approved by the Avalon Borough Council at its February 28th meeting…
“I cannot express how appreciative we are of the Borough’s donation of these chairs to the families of Bayonnais, Haiti who will use them on a continual basis”, Haryslak said. “Some neighborhoods in Haiti truly rely exclusively on the generosity of surplus or unwanted items, and the selfless volunteerism of individuals across the globe to provide even basic necessities and a reasonable quality of life. Chairs that would have wound up being discarded will now assist families in this building for many years to come”.
Will’s Family Homes Mission was recently proud to announce that the construction of the first ICDM Family Home was completed and occupied by a family with special needs in Haiti in January 2018. A moving van was also delivered by the Commission this past summer which took a full ten months to fill with items and ship to Bayonnais. The van included over a half ton of food, bags of clothing and shoes that were donated by Hoy’s Department Store in Avalon, Medical Supplies, Beach Furniture, Hand Tools, HVAC equipment for a Future Health Clinic and scores of very needed items. A school Bus has been donated to be used for the transportation of students in Haiti.
In 2018, ICDM Family Homes is seeking funding in the goal of $50,000 to construct an additional five Family Homes. The Commission is also actively seeking donations of diesel trucks that can survive the difficult terrain of mountain roads. Donations may also include gas SUV’s, Jeeps, and similar vehicles.
To learn more about relief efforts, you may reach out directly to Will Haryslak by Phone: 609-368-5550 or via FamilyHomes@ICDM.us and visit ICDM’s complete website at www.icdm.us .
Like ICDM Family Homes Mission on Facebook www.facebook.com/ICDMFamilyHomes to stay informed as to how they are striving to “Educate – Equip – Empower” their Families in Haiti.