Press Release
For immediate release
Jan. 28, 2010
Long Island nonprofit supports Haiti, on and off the soccer field
Jan. 28, 2010
Long Island nonprofit supports Haiti, on and off the soccer field
As Haiti residents grapple with the aftermath of its Jan. 12 earthquake, one Long Island nonprofit is making sure the nation’s kids get to cut loose, at least a little.
The Haiti Soccer Project, an East Meadow, NY-based organization, regularly supplies leagues across Haiti with soccer balls, uniforms and cleats. After the quake, the need for consistency and a few endorphins is palpable, said Lesly Williams, founder of the Haiti Soccer Project.
“The people of Haiti have endured the worst disaster in their history…” Williams said. “Over the past few days, as we have seen on television, some kids have resorted to something they are very passionate about — shooting a soccer ball. We’re committed to supporting the youth of Haiti, as well as assisting in the restoration of some normalcy in their lives.”
Williams’ commitment to Haiti prompted Grassroots.org, a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides free web and technology resources to nonprofits nationwide, to select the Haiti Soccer Project from more than 2,400 organizations as its Member of the Month.
Each month, Grassroots.org selects one member whose work best fulfills its mission: To serve as a catalyst for positive social change by leveraging modern technologies and best business practices.
"We want to see other nonprofits succeed and grow because of the services we provide," said Laura Benack, Interim Executive Director of Grassroots.org. "The Haiti Soccer Project website is a great example of how nonprofits use technology and creative missions to succeed, even in the midst of this catastrophe."
The Haiti Soccer Project uses several Grassroots.org web tools, including its web building software and the volunteer-run graphic design program. Ultimately, these services help Williams build the project and put jerseys on as many eager athletes as possible.
“Most Haitian children love the game,” Williams said. “They kick just about anything that resembles a soccer ball. It is everywhere, but despite having the desire to play the game, most children are not able to participate in organized leagues with the proper equipment… Soccer offers unique opportunities to promote health, tolerance, teamwork, fair play, cooperation and unity.”
The Haiti Soccer Project, an East Meadow, NY-based organization, regularly supplies leagues across Haiti with soccer balls, uniforms and cleats. After the quake, the need for consistency and a few endorphins is palpable, said Lesly Williams, founder of the Haiti Soccer Project.
“The people of Haiti have endured the worst disaster in their history…” Williams said. “Over the past few days, as we have seen on television, some kids have resorted to something they are very passionate about — shooting a soccer ball. We’re committed to supporting the youth of Haiti, as well as assisting in the restoration of some normalcy in their lives.”
Williams’ commitment to Haiti prompted Grassroots.org, a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides free web and technology resources to nonprofits nationwide, to select the Haiti Soccer Project from more than 2,400 organizations as its Member of the Month.
Each month, Grassroots.org selects one member whose work best fulfills its mission: To serve as a catalyst for positive social change by leveraging modern technologies and best business practices.
"We want to see other nonprofits succeed and grow because of the services we provide," said Laura Benack, Interim Executive Director of Grassroots.org. "The Haiti Soccer Project website is a great example of how nonprofits use technology and creative missions to succeed, even in the midst of this catastrophe."
The Haiti Soccer Project uses several Grassroots.org web tools, including its web building software and the volunteer-run graphic design program. Ultimately, these services help Williams build the project and put jerseys on as many eager athletes as possible.
“Most Haitian children love the game,” Williams said. “They kick just about anything that resembles a soccer ball. It is everywhere, but despite having the desire to play the game, most children are not able to participate in organized leagues with the proper equipment… Soccer offers unique opportunities to promote health, tolerance, teamwork, fair play, cooperation and unity.”
Molly Fergus
Communications Coordinator Grassroots.org |