The poorest country, the worst slums, and most hopeless situation are just a few "mosts" that characterize the country of Haiti. I visited the country recently on assignment with Minneapolis-based "Latitude". Latitude is a design firm that works with brands like Adidas, Chobani, Ann Taylor and Foot Locker. They know what's up. But as cool and purposeful as design is to our culture, it rarely makes lives truly better. So, Latitude decided to use their skills to not only make happy clients, but change lives as well.
Here's how: Latitude gives a WHOPPING 50% of their profits to efforts in Haiti. You read correct - HALF of their profit. Let that sink in a minute. It seems impossible, but impossible is not in the Latitude dictionary. They constantly use terms like "elevate" "opportunity", and "serve".
Above: Haitian schoolchildren. -- A screen grab from a 5d Mkiii video file
That the company is owned by a professing Christian family is not reason to shudder or begin judging. In fact, this is the kind of Christian that I think Christ expects to carry his name. A people who boldly and generously gives of their time and resources to help people that they owe nothing to. I'm proud to have worked with a group of passionate individuals who care deeply about the needy ones of our world.
Chad Hancock serving in the slums of Cite Soleil. -- A screen grab from a 5dmkiii video file
And, Haiti? The people are amazing. So happy and joyful, despite having nothing. I use that term literally. The neediest of Haiti have nothing of value except the clothes on their backs and some basic water and cooking containers. But, they are happier and more enjoyable to be around than most Americans I know. You cannot go anywhere in Haiti without seeing or hearing people thank Jesus for being so good to them--What?! I was blessed by the experience and cannot wait to get back there to the bright, smiling faces of the Haitian people--especially those beautiful kids!