With terrific donations from people, we have purchased a truck!
Transportation in Haiti is always a challenge. Vehicles get a pounding with the dirt roads and mountainous terrain in the CODEP area. The old truck has been on its last legs, so to speak, for some time. Nevertheless, we will formally give it to CODEP because, of course, no vehicle is ever completely abandoned.
It’s been clear for years that a reliable truck to help haul material, tools, rotten fruit from market for harvesting seeds, boards produced by the sawmill, fuel for the corn grinder, and hundreds of other demands is needed.
Our board member, David Fishman, stepped up and raised $21,933.38! His magic is extraordinary. We have been able to purchase a 2004 Ford F250, 4-wheel drive, diesel truck which many of you know is the same type as the old truck. And, it is white, too. It was shipped to Leogane in 2012 and has 127,000 miles on the odometer. The tires have been replaced once. The shock absorbers are new.
Importantly, the price was $8000, leaving a kitty to cover the ongoing maintenance and gas. Fuel is always costly and is becoming frighteningly expensive as the borders are closed. Maintenance is a constant drain on funds given how hard the truck is used.
Having the leeway financially to keep the truck cared for and functional will extend its life and be of enormous value to our reforestation partners.
Thank you to all who contributed. Thank you to David.
Michael Anello
Executive Director
