Posted online: Feb 23rd, 2010

A Quigley’s Point woman will travel to quake-hit Haiti in April after being “incredibly moved” by the devastating images of the country and its people.

Carol Donaghey will help build homes and community facilities in the Gonaivez region from April 23 to May 3 as part of the Haven charity’s ‘Build It’ programme.

She told the Inish Times she hoped she could “make a difference” and revealed she had already received phenomenal support from the local community.

“This is something I have always wanted to do,” explained Ms Donaghey.

“But I was motivated and incredibly moved by the images showing the devastating effect the earthquake had on the area – I wanted to help as soon as I could.

“I will be based in Gonaivez, which is about 160km from Port au Prince. The charity does two things in the country, it trains, up skills and employs local people to build the homes all year around and then in April and October it holds Build It week where volunteers help.”

The volunteers will live in basic accommodation in camps and work from 5am in the morning to 6pm in the evening. However, this doesn’t faze Ms Donaghey, who is currently working in Public Relations in Dublin.

She said: “We get to meet the beneficiaries of the homes we are building and work with the Haitian people. Although I am a bit nervous about going, as I haven’t done anything like this before, I also think it will be a good experience. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a week out of my life but it could such a huge difference to someone. I just want to help in any way I can.

“The response I’ve received already in the local area has been phenomenal. It makes you realise that what you’re doing is really worthwhile and it’s great to see such great spirit in the area. I’ve received so many calls and emails from everyone, it’s been really inspiring.”

“Three people who have really helped me out are Councillor (Black) Mickey Doherty, Jim McLaughlin, Muff, Marty McGonagle, Quigley’s Point and Mark Jordan who is helping to organise a fundraising Blind Date night in the Malin Hotel, which takes place on March 20. I really want to thank them for their support and everyone else who has helped so far.”

She has to raise 4,000 euro before her trip and as well as the Blind Date night, Carol has organised a number of other fundraising events including a sponsored walk. The dates for these events have not yet been finalised but will be published as soon as they become available.