In times of crisis…

Days ago I arrived home from work, turned on the TV and was immediately struck by the news of an earthquake in Haiti that registered an incredible 7.0 on the Richter scale. The epicenter only a few miles off the coast of Port au Prince. By now, we’re all very much aware the earthquake has decimated Port au Prince and hastily brought an entire nation to its knees. The tragedy of this event and the resulting carnage is virtually inconceivable to most of us abroad. What’s now a sobering reality to people around the world has become a matter of life and death for tens of thousands of Haitians, perhaps more.

At times like this, I often despair the imparity between rich and poor peoples all across the globe. It’s times like this that the odds of solving the worlds problems seem insurmountable. Mother Nature dealt a crushing blow to an island state that has so little to begin with. If there was ever an unfair fight – this was it. But there’s no time to lament for what’s been lost. The human suffering in Haiti has quickly been allayed by incredible acts of compassion and courage by Haitians and international rescue workers from every imaginable corner of the globe.

At a time of incredible strife, it was astonishing to see hundreds of Haitian women, men and even some children marching through the streets of Port au Prince singing –  seemingly galvanizing themselves in their faith that this too shall pass. A better day shall come. With all the bad news, heroes abound, like the firefighters from Manchester, England that rescued a two year old girl named Mia from under the rubble of her family’s shanty. The American relief effort, orchestrated by the US Disaster Relief Command and led by the US Forces has been nothing short of incredible, but there is still so much yet to be done.

I’m proud to say that Collette and its staff are doing their part. Collette has agreed to match up to $50,000 contributed by staff and friends in travel and business. This is nothing new to Collette. Through the generosity of the Sullivan family and the  collective efforts of staff, the Collette Foundation seeks to alleviate the strife of poor and suffering children and others around the world. Indeed, it’s times like this that I am proud to be a part of the Collette family and lend my support to causes more noble than the day to day business we conduct.



posted by Brett
Brett Walker, General Manager, Canada
Collette Vacations

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3 Comments to “In times of crisis…”

  1. frankiestan 21 January 2010 at 2:51 PM #

    I couldn’t agree more. Your words are inspiring and ring true. We can only do what we can in our own little corners of the world to help bring aid to those in Haiti who really need it.

  2. Diana 21 January 2010 at 11:07 PM #

    Brett,
    It’s the sense of powerlessness that adds more weight to the overwhelming sorrow I feel for the Haitians. It is helpful when companies like Collette step up and provide the much needed funds for recovery efforts. It is the President of Senegal that also has an interesting approach. He has offered free, furtile land — and even an entire region of the country — to Haitians who would like to return “home”. I wonder how many would pick up and go, if only they could get there. Maybe a cruise ship, ladden with supplies and stipends could be called in to help.

  3. Caylen Walker 5 February 2010 at 7:01 PM #

    i love you daddy! Someday your going to save the world. You know what to say! People in Haiti will eventually be fine. We can help!!! Soon everything will be fine. Your the best dad ever.


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