The unwavering spirit of the Haitian people are a reflection
of the heart of humanity around the globe.
With the severe damage from last year’s Hurricane Matthew which devastated its main food-growing region and now Hurricane Irma.
More than ever, organizations such as Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) becomes crucial to focus sustainable support to Haiti through healthcare, education and the arts.
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This year’s Artists for Peace and Justice: 2017 Festival Fair attendance was impressive with many high-profile celebrities generously lending their support for a cause close to their hearts: Academy award-winner Canadian writer/director/ producer Paul Haggis, documentary filmaker Morgan Spurlock (TIFF 2017 film participant: Super-Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!), Sponsor Pascal Raffy of Bovet 1822, co-chair Natasha Koifman & Suzanne Boyd, and notable honorees of the event, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician Jackson Browne recipient of the Peace and Justice Activism Award and inaugural APJ Canadian Changemaker Award recipient Gary Slaight presented by Maison Birks.
Artists serve….literally. ? @RedHourBen @cubagoodingjr @strombo @natashankpr @Paul_Haggis @SongsofJBrowne #YannickBisson #APJFEST17 #TIFF pic.twitter.com/yQQnvtX6tv
— APJ (@artistsforpeace) September 12, 2017
Co-hosted by Actor/Comedian Ben Stiller and Cuba Gooding Jr., both were up to the task of fulfilling the demanding co-host position, with impeccable waiter dinner service and a rousing “Oh Canada” singalong by Cubing Jr.
Highlight from the #APJFest17. Show him the moneeeyyy!! ???? @cubagoodingjr #GettyImages pic.twitter.com/gl2SH3Weum
— APJ (@artistsforpeace) September 12, 2017
The outstanding work APJ contributes include:
- APJ’s implementing partner, the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, is a 100% Haitian-run non profit organization founded by Father Rick Frechette, providing quality medical care and dignified humanitarian outreach to the poorest, most underserved and vulnerable populations in Port-au-Prince.
- Services provided by St. Luke’s hospital include a modern surgery facility and emergency room, CT scans, digital x-ray, a high level ICU and rehabilitation unit, professional medical teams, and mobile disaster units.
- APJ provides support for this hospital serving over 120,000 patients every year.
- APJ is proud to provide year round access to St. Luke’s medical services for all 2,800 Academy for Peace and Justice students free of cost, offering both preventative care and health education to the next generation.
- A substantial commitment toward growing a new generation of Haiti’s leaders by providing access to quality secondary and higher education
- Independently run programs in Haiti that provide music education to thousands of underprivileged youth every year.
$1.1 million was raised at the event, presented by Bovet 1822, to support a truly worthwhile cause. For more information or to donate, visit: apjnow.org
