Help for Haiti’s children

In its first year as a fully-fledged membership organisation for women in the travel retail industry, Women in Travel Retail (WiTR) has chosen to support Hand in Hand for Haiti in 2018 by raising €15,000 to buy musical instruments. This will enable the launch of Lycée Jean- Baptiste Pointe du Sable’s first extracurricular instrumental music program in partnership with Ecole de Musique Christian Nohel de Saint Marc.

The benefits of music education are astounding. Studies have consistently revealed the tremendously positive effect that music education has on a child’s academic performance, sense of community, self-expression and self-esteem. But for nearly all children across Haiti, formal music education is unattainable.

Following the devastating hurricane that hit Haiti in 2010, Hand in Hand for Haiti was the first charity to receive funds raised by Women in Travel Retail, enabling the new Lycée Jean- Baptiste Pointe du Sable to purchase equipment for the kindergarten. Last year’s devastating hurricanes in the Caribbean were a stark reminder that the students in this world-class school still need our support if they are to break out of the cycle of poverty that besets Haiti, where 80% of the population still live below the poverty line.

Every child in the school will have the opportunity to discover music through these instruments, both music recognised internationally and also their own rich musical heritage.  Playing an instrument gives a child self-confidence as a soloist, encourages teamwork as part of a band or orchestra and provides a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence through public performances – to other students and in their local community.

Following the terrible spate of hurricanes in the Caribbean last year, WiTR was determined to raise money to help children whose lives are time and time again blighted by natural disasters.  Hand in Hand for Haiti, with its fantastic track record, was a unanimous choice by WiTR for support this year.

The fund-raising got off to a spectacular start during the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference and Exhibition when Travel Retail Business and guests at The TR Business’ first consumer-led awards ceremony generously donated nearly €6000.

Women in Travel Retail will be inviting exhibitors and visitors at TFWA World Exhibition In Cannes to help them reach their target of €15,000 by entering the draw to win fabulous prizes.  Entry into the raffle is via three business cards for €20.  Additional commitments from industry colleagues of auction and raffle prizes for the grand draw would be appreciated. Please deliver donations/raffle prizes to the Furla stand (Bay Village Bay 2) by 1500 on Tuesday October 2nd. 

This year’s meeting takes place on Tuesday October 2 from 1730-1900 at the far end of the Palais des Festival Level 1 Business Centre.  

President and Co-founder, Hand in Hand for Haiti, Olivier Bottrie says, “We are extremely grateful for the continued support of WiTR. Haiti is a country of artists and has a long tradition of musical excellence. We are certain that introducing our children to this art will not only contribute to this tradition but also give them a sense of joy and confidence.”