A heartfelt visit to Haiti

On a recent trip to Cap-Haitien, Haiti, Director of Community Engagement Elissa Grohne, CFO Derek Boyce, and partner Marcia Bergen ventured to see the project that benefits directly from her generous support—LiveDifferent’s Freedom Village.

For Marcia, witnessing the tangible results of her contributions was profoundly moving. The visit provided an opportunity to engage with the students and teachers at École L’Union—each interaction added layers to the understanding and appreciation of the work being done. The warmth and welcoming nature of the community of Calvaire was palpable, creating an unforgettable experience.

Walking the path of education

The visit started with a community tour of Calvaire, led by Frantzo, LiveDifferent’s Country Host for Haiti. Here, the team treaded the steep paths that the students navigate daily to reach their school—a humbling experience that underscored the resilience and determination of these young learners.

The visit included a stop at a local shop where books worth $8,700 CAD were purchased for the students, an important initiative made possible by the contributions of our LoveLegacy donors.

A day of interaction and contribution

The following day at École L’Union was packed with activities. Elissa conducted interviews, capturing teacher’s insights, while Derek applied his skills to enhance the school’s security system. Meanwhile, Marcia immersed herself in the school’s daily life, from helping in the kitchen to serving lunch. One student mentioned the joy of tasting cake for the first time, a simple yet profound moment.

Marcia’s hands-on involvement didn’t stop there; she assisted in distributing food hampers to families in need—provided by Mark H., reflecting the spirit of community and shared responsibility.

Reflections

The visit was a testament to the power of community and partnership in creating positive change, underscoring the critical role of education, health, and nutrition in fostering safe and thriving environments for the children in Haiti.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Marcia Bergen, all our partners, our donors, volunteers, and everyone involved in supporting our mission in Haiti. Together, we are making a world of difference—one child, one community at a time.

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Helping to transform lives through freedom, education and empowerment

LiveDifferent is excited to welcome the Marcia Bergen Group to our growing list of amazing partners.

We are proud to announce our new partnership with Marcia Bergen Group, a dedicated team who shares our passion for making a difference in the world. Their contributions are supporting LiveDifferent’s Freedom Village—a cause that is close to their hearts. 

The Freedom Village provides a safe haven for vulnerable girls who have experienced unimaginable abuse through Haiti’s Restavek system. It is a sanctuary where these girls can find freedom and refuge, receive education and, most importantly, get the care they need to heal from their traumas. 

The ongoing operations of the Freedom Village rely heavily upon generous contributions, and we are thrilled to be working alongside the Marcia Bergen Group and other partners to support this important cause.

We can’t thank the Marcia Bergen Group enough for their support and contribution. Together, we’re making a difference in these girls’ lives by offering them a chance to dream big and achieve even bigger.

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