I will have a more detailed post soon with a complete summary of the Peanut Butter for Haiti drive that was a stunning success. It always amazes me when people move in a common direction of good. Today we dropped off over 2,500 jars to the Mission headquarters in Kentucky. We had the privilege of loading all the jars into wooden boxes that will be placed onto containers and shipped to Haiti in the coming weeks. Thank you to all who helped and stay tuned for an update with a video summary of the entire project.
You should have seen the faces as we loaded 2,000 jars of Peanut Butter into a Penske rental truck. It was only topped by the cashier who actually had to ring up 2,000 jars as our first order. Price Check?
Needless to say, while the Haiti Peanut Butter drive has officially ended, the total is right around 2,600 hundred jars with more ‘oozing’ in each day. I’ll keep the PayPal link up and of course will continue to accept jars as they come, but when the final delivery is made to North West Haiti Christian Mission, I think I’ll be done with Peanut Butter for some time.
In addition to my little circle of friends and acquaintances, some others have gotten on board the Peanut Butter drive and I’m very excited to see the ripple effect.
Rachel Lohrman, a cousin from Arizona took the initiative to bring the idea to her church; Living Hope Community Church in Tuscon and they have, at last count, raised over 524 jars which they will be shipping directly to the mission. SWEET!
My father promoted the drive on his Radio program and has brought in several hundred jars himself.
While we didn’t reach the 10k, or at least I suspect we’ll be a wee-bit short, I am beyond excited about what we were able to accomplish. My personal motto has always been ‘aim for the stars, and maybe you’ll land on the moon.’ I think sending close to 3,000 jars down to Haiti is pretty darn good.
When we take the final count, and make the final delivery, I’ll update with a little video of how it all went down.
It’s real simple. After a few more weeks, the hype will have all but died down and the ‘excitement’ over helping Haiti will subside. The military will still be in PAP (Port Au Prince) attempting to disseminate all the relief that has poured into the country but will continue to be overwhelmed with the need.
You see, when CNN displays images of people lining up to receive food and supplies, guess what, that’s Haiti every day of the week, with or without an Earthquake. Most in line are not replenishing supplies; they’re receiving food to sustain themselves until another meal can be found.
Through this tragic event, Haiti has been placed on the world’s center-stage, which is going to truly help them for a season. Whether that translates into lasting change is yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, outside of PAP, specifically in small cities and villages another tragedy commences. Our missionary contacts have told us that 1 gallon of Diesel fuel is $20.00 while food and medical supplies are all but gone.
It’s a very small step, but in a strange way, I know that when the thousands of jars we send over make it to the mission compound, and start to be handed out to those in need, it will directly feed a family and bring another glimmer of hope.
While a thousand jars is a great start, it is not enough and we need to send more. Please pass along this blog, spread the word and let’s meet the 10k goal.
I am anxiously looking forward to documenting this entire process through the wonderful world of interactive media. From the purchase to the actual distribution my goal is for you to see everything, each step of the way so you can be part of the experience as well.
My previous post about my upcoming trip to Haiti was published only hours before the tragic earthquake that has now shaken the world. I have been as disturbed as anyone about the devastation that has occurred, however having been to the country on several occasions, I wanted to think outside the box a bit, calling on my previous experience in determining how to help.
I suspect millions upon millions of dollars will be raised for Haitian relief and while these funds are necessary and wonderful, it will be an ongoing challenge for all those involved to determine just who receives what and how much. In a country historically plagued with political corruption and massive widespread poverty I am as passionate as ever about making sure our intentions result in a direct and meaningful impact. Therefore, I have started a very simple, yet incredibly impactful Haiti peanut butter drive. Please see my video to learn more about just what a jar of peanut butter can do.
I intend to run this peanut butter drive through the end of February at which time I will take all funds raised, arrange for the purchase of individual peanut butter jars, and take them to the Frankfort, Kentucky offices of North West Haiti Christian Mission. The jars will be placed in a container, shipped to Miami at which point they will board a boat bound for Haiti. I have reached out to Jif (Smuckers) but have not yet gotten any answer about buying individual jars in bulk. I am not going to wait on ‘corporate speed’ rather I am moving forward with the drive using Great Value from Wal-Mart.
I look forward to updating you via this web log regarding the peanut butter drive and just how well we do. Please buy a jar or two and ‘SPREAD’ the word! You wouldn’t believe just what a different a simple jar of peanut butter can make.
~ Quint
The peanut butter prices shown are taken from my local Wal-Mart where I purchased a 28oz jar of Peanut Butter for $2.64. In addition Pay Pal charges 2.9% and .30 for each $100. You may learn more about Pay Pal’s fees HERE.
Most of you know me as the enthusiastic trader, loving this stock game just as much as you do, working tirelessly to improve, day in and day out, not only to serve my clients but to also help any who desire to learn.
What you may not know about me is that my enthusiasm actually stems from another passion I have for mission work, specifically the impoverished country of Haiti. It was 2001 when I first went into the country with my then fiancé, after the urging of a friend who had been in on many occasions. I had ‘served’ others before but I was not prepared for the ten-day experience that truly changed my life. I could write a book on that experience alone and maybe someday I will but I believe the trip can best be summarized by noting it was the first of many trips in addition to having the honor of supporting a few families financially over the last couple of years.
There are ‘needs’ all around us. Lending a hand to someone down the street is just as honorable as traveling to a third world country half way around the world or in the Islands off the tip of Florida. It isn’t the geography, but the actions that count however if you ever wanted to truly gain a firm grasp of just how fortunate we are in this country, hop on a plane and head somewhere that is completely off the radar.
When I first went to Haiti I was actually fearful I would return to the States feeling guilty for all the ‘stuff’ I have. In reality I returned with a work ethic beyond my comprehension. For the first time in my life, I understood what it meant to truly have an opportunity. Something I definitely took for granted but will never again.
On March 26th to April 3rd I’ll once again be heading into Haiti, this time with my good friend Craig “MedicVz” Vanderzwaag. While Craig will bring special medical skills, a desperate need in the country, I’ll bring my two hands and a willing spirit. We’ll be doing everything from basic repair work to some serious athletics with the orphans. I keep asking about a prop-desk in Haiti but I just don’t think they’re ready for it yet.
In addition to the general tasks at hand, I’ll be spending some time laying the ground work for a bigger project my wife and I will be embarking upon, building a facility for mentally and/or physically-challenged adults.
If I have ever assisted you in the past in any way and you’ve ever wondered how to send your appreciation, I would like to ask you to partner with us in this endeavor. We are raising funds to subsidize our trip and lay the foundation for our bigger project in the future. Craig and I need to raise $3,000 total to pay for our complete trip and any contribution would help. All contributions are tax-deductable and made directly through the mission organization with whom we’ll be traveling.
To make a tax-deductible contribution please follow the link HERE. Complete the form and in the Notes simply write Qman Trip.
I will update you all regarding our travels and share our itinerary and photos while we are gone. We are very excited about this opportunity and appreciate your support.
Most of you know me as the enthusiastic trader, loving this stock game just as much as you do, working tirelessly to improve, day in and day out, not only to serve my clients but to also help any who desire to learn.
When I first went to Haiti I was actually fearful I would return to the States feeling guilty for all the ‘stuff’ I have. In reality I returned with a work ethic beyond my comprehension. For the first time in my life, I understood what it meant to truly have an opportunity. Something I definitely took for granted but will never again.