By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
More than five years have passed since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake leveled areas of Haiti and killed more than 100,000 people.
With rebuilding still underway and poverty ravaging the country, eight Lake Orion juniors are hoping to get their hands dirty and help do their part to rebuild.
The mission trip is planned for mid-July and it’s still underfunded. Mission leaders from four local churches, including three from Orion Township, are planning a fundraiser called Bowling for Hope at Classic Lanes in Rochester to offset the cost.
The bowling fundraiser scheduled for April 26 is one of many fundraisers the group has attempted and they’re hoping it will give them the needed funds to travel. Upon purchasing a $20 ticket, bowlers will be granted three hours of bowling which includes shoe rental, food, and refreshments. Non-bowlers are welcome to attend and can also support the mission trip with the purchase of a $10 ticket. They’ll receive food and drink.
‘We’ve done things from car washes to bottle return campaigns and we were looking for something more significant,? said leadership member Steve Nasseef. ‘All the money is going towards all the expenses related to travel and what we have to pay to support the work that goes on at Mission of Hope.?
Mission of Hope is the organization they’re pairing with located just outside the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The Christian-based non-profit organization provides various assistance to adults and children through health care, orphan care, educational development, and nutrition.
‘It’s really well managed and many churches volunteer within their organization,? Nasseef said. It’s a place that has strong structure and we feel safe that we’re walking into a well-oiled machine.?
Kensington Church’s Orion Campus is organizing the mission trip which includes eight Lake Orion High School juniors and six of their parents. They’re also partnering with Provide Inc. which is another non-profit organized by some of the leadership members.
‘We’ve been talking about it with our family about doing something to serve in some capacity in something bigger than volunteering in a soup kitchen. Trying to do something out of our comfort zone,? Nasseef said.
Classic Lanes is located at 2145 Avon Industrial Drive in Rochester Hills. Fundraiser organizers ask participants to arrive at 1:30 p.m. for sign-in and registration. The event will also feature raffles, vendors, and a bake sale.
For more information contact Kris McBride at jkmcbride7@gmail.com. People interested can purchase tickets online at www.j.mp/bowlingforhopehaiti