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With the events and images being shared around the world from the devastation in Haiti, a group of volunteers thought it was time to raise hope and organize an event so people in Korea could donate to a worthy cause. Hope for Haiti will be held at Roofers in Itaewon on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2010) and organizers are planning a cultural celebration, complete with Haitian music, videos, photographs, silent auction and door prizes to raise much needed funds for the Olive Tree Projects, a charitable organization located in Jacmel, Haiti.

“The story of Olive Tree Projects was quite touching,” said Pamela Muñoz, Hope for Haiti organizer. “This fundraiser will help provide them with water, food and materials to help rebuild their clinic, establish an orphanage and continue to provide their prenatal services to local women and their families.” Olive Tree Projects is a grassroots organization, run by Canadian mid-wife Sarah Wallace who currently lives in Haiti, and provides prenatal care, education and health services to local women and their families.

Despite the urge from family and friends to return to Canada after the earthquake, she was more resolved to stay and involve herself in the recovery efforts. "I wanted to help before the earthquake. Now they need the help even more. Why would I stop now?,” she said in an interview.

A number of businesses in Seoul have come forward to donate to the Seoul fundraiser. Roofers kindly donated the venue and audio equipment; Bain & Company donated door prizes along with Seoul Selection; and, a continuous string of volunteers and supporters are asking how they can be of help. “I’ve already sent donations to help with other charitable organizations helping in Haiti, but felt there was something more I could do to help. This is a great event to be a part of – we’re asking that people come down to help us celebrate the hope we have for the rebuilding of Haiti,” said Abigail Flores, a volunteer with Hope for Haiti. “The more funds we can raise for Olive Tree Projects, the bigger difference we can make for Haitian women and their families.”

The suggested donation for those wanting to attend the event is KRW10,000 and organizers ask that they bring cash for the silent auction. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The event begins at 8pm at Roofers (5 min. from Itaewon Station, Exit 2 - Straight to the end of the block, turn right, up the hill; Roofers is on the 2nd floor, across the street from the Foreign Food Market). Hope for Haiti is currently asking for donation items from local businesses towards the fundraiser, as door prize giveaways or silent auction items. Contact Pamela or Abigail at HelpHaitiSeoul@gmail.com to make a donation or for more information. A Facebook page is also available ().