Donations for Haiti Devastation Given at BJNC

Becky Murdy
Assistant, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: becky.murdy@usav.org

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 1, 2011) - On Jan. 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the country of Haiti, killing 300,000 people and leaving 1.5 million children alone, hungry and traumatized. Thanks to Child in Hands and its partnership with USA Volleyball, the attendees at the 2011 USAV Boys’ Junior National Championships (BJNC) had the opportunity to help out. 

Located in the center of the action in the Minneapolis Convention Center was the booth for Haiti Street, now known as Child in Hand, covered with beautiful jewelry, art work and sculptures all made by orphans in Haiti.  

“The success at this tournament was incredible and surprising,” said Astri Wee, an event coordinator at PSA and a photographer for Child in Hand. “We weren’t sure how we would do since it’s a boys’ tournament, but the people and donations exceeded our greatest expectations.”

100 percent of the donations given in exchange for the jewelry and art go to the children in one of four ways: medical needs; psychosocial needs; basics such as food, water, shelter, clothes and education; and sport and art programs, supplies and facilities. Child in Hand volunteers currently work with 10 orphanages and schools that house over 1,700 children. Their hopes are to expand and reach 4,000 children and build 15 additional help centers in the next two years. 

To support this work, Child in Hand is displayed at major sporting events across the country. Through partnerships that include USA Volleyball and the Haitian Volleyball Federation, this fundraising and advocacy campaign collects charitable donations that go directly back into the many hands that made the bracelets, necklaces and art. These donations fund on-the-ground efforts of Child in Hand, caring for the children of Haiti.

“We give as many kids as we can the basics,” Wee said. “We offer food, water, a roof and activities to keep these kids safe and happy.”

Child in Hand, a project of PSA’s non-profit arm Korbanas International, was founded in response to the shattering earthquake. With its new expansion and partnerships like USA Volleyball, the organization is able to offer sport and art opportunity for the kids.

“Our partnership with USA Volleyball is outstanding,” Wee said. “It is so great to get the volleyball players at these tournaments involved and aware as well as get the Haitian kids interested in volleyball.”

On Tuesday, July 5, USAV is sending a select group of its High Performance coaches to Haiti in an effort to educate about and play volleyball with Child in Hand volunteers and children.

“I will be there taking photos of the event,” Wee said. “It is going to be great for the kids to watch the coaches play and then participate with them. 

Another addition to the project is a large earthquake-safe semi-permanent tent that has been added in Haiti, offering volleyball courts inside for the children to play.

“Calling it a tent doesn’t really to it justice,” Wee said. “This structure is earthquake proof and disaster proof, making it a safe haven for anyone that uses it.”

It has been 18 months since the earthquake and the Haitian people continue to struggle. Thanks to tournaments like the BJNC and volunteers, people can be educated about the harsh realities of the condition Haiti is still in.

“Rubble can be removed and houses can be rebuilt, but trauma can take a lifetime to overcome,” which is part of the Child in Hand mission statement.

For more information please visit, www.childinhand.org

For up-to-date results and upcoming schedules for the USA Volleyball Boys’ Junior national Championships, click here. For more information on the tournament, visit http://usavolleyball.org/events/4872.

All 14-18 division medal matches will be video streamed live at http://usavolleyball.org/live. The first medal match will take place Friday, July 1, with the 12-club teams. 

Visit www.usavolleyball.org and become a fan of USA Volleyball's Facebook page for all the latest news. Fans are encouraged to share their family-friendly pictures on the USA Volleyball Facebook page.

2011 USA Volleyball Boys’ Junior National Championships Results
12 Club: Finals on July 1

13 Club: Finals on July 2

14 Open: Finals on July 3

14 Club: Finals on July 3

15 Open: Finals on July 4

15 Club: Finals on July 4


16 Open: Finals on July 5

16 Club: Finals on July 5

17 Open: Finals on July 6
17 Club: Finals on July 6
18 Open: Finals on July 2

18 Club: Finals on July 2

Tags: 2011 Boys' Junior National Championships, USA Volleyball Boys' Junior National Championships