Renaud's visit, save-the-dates + breadfruit transformation success!

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Exciting Plans for September and Renaud's Visit to Canada!

As we prepare for a visit from our Haitian friend and colleague Mr. Renaud Thomas in September, we are organizing two big community events! During his stay in Canada there will be many opportunities to meet and engage with Renaud. We'll be sending out an invite to come to our Rayjon-community BBQ, and casual opportunities to join us at a park for a walk, or under the bridge for fries.

In the meantime, make sure you mark your calendars for Trail & Ale and CaribeFest Sarnia! Renaud will be a special guest at both events, and here's your chance to show your support! .

Trail & Ale - Sept. 23

For our 4th annual Trail & Ale we've gone bigger and better! Check out the new brew partners and custom Rayjon beer steins!

5K or 10K, Run or Walk.

RENAUD WILL BE LEADING WALKERS ON A VERY SPECIAL 1K LOOP FULL OF SURPRISES!

CaribeFest Sarnia - Sept. 15

We are planning quite the party- Caribbean style- with an incredible lineup of professional dancers, musicians, artisans, and food vendors. FREE! and open to the public.

Join in on a dance lesson, jam with the drummers, or simply stroll among the vendors. BE THERE.

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Rayjon is Recruiting

Are you passionate about social justice and making a meaningful contribution to communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic? We are recruiting for a Board Member and volunteer positions. In particular, we're searching for candidates with knowledge and skills in finance and fundraising.

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Breadfruit Transformation Success!

With financial support from PWRDF and Rayjon, the strong women of the Haitian Women's Federation in rural St. Marc are celebrating the official end of their "Breadfruit Transformation Initiative." Over 2 years, and through some of the most difficult challenges Haiti has ever faced, they have achieved some tremendous results:

* Sustainable, income-generating breadfruit tree nursery: Over 1,000 saplings produced to date, now reliably earning income which the women reinvest into their community
* Fully operational rice/corn mills for local farmers
* Financial management/business training for women in 7 villages
* Site upgrades to the factory/headquarters, including a perimeter fence that keeps the goats from destroying the saplings!
* Strengthened leadership and organizational capacity: The women now hold their own general assembly where they map out a plan for the future.

THE WOMEN ARE READY FOR THE NEXT MAJOR PROJECT. In 2023-2024, again supported by PWRDF and Rayjon, they have planned:
* A water project to restore clean water access to the village of Grand Fond
* Expanded access to Adult Literacy classes, including one new village that has never had it before!
* Scaling up the business: While the "Breadfruit Project" is officially ended, the women want to expand operations. The current crisis in Haiti has prevented them from being able to purchase (and have safely delivered) the specialty processing equipment that is needed to turn fresh breadfruit into milled flour for longer storage and unlimited use!
Stay tuned for a story about ELIDA, a remarkable woman who's leadership has been instrumental in the Breadfruit Project :)

PO Box 2482 Sarnia, ON N7T 7T1

(519) 381-5929

info@rayjon.org

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