About Sharon Gaskell Founder | Starthrower Foundation

Sharon Gaskell: "The poor of Haiti -- a staggering 80% or more -- continue to suffer unimaginable yet preventable malnutrition, dehydration, disease and early death. The inherent courage and strength of the Haitian people continually reminds me that the obstacles that I perceive as insurmountable are molehills.

"Instinctively, the usual response to staggering poverty such as that in Haiti, is to donate what we think they need. That is charity, and if it was an effective solution for the poor of this world, it would have shown positive results long before now.

"The less fortunate of this world do not need to be fixed, or saved, or rescued. They are not broken -- just poor. They need someone to listen. They themselves know what is needed to improve their condition.

"And it is a matter of fortune. Our roles in life could have been reversed if not for the fortune of birth place and time." (See also A day in the life and Starthrower Foundation Mission Statement).

"And so I listen, and honour the story and the teller. I ask questions and respond with the limited financial resources available. I create jobs for them, and support education and apprenticeships.

"Sometimes, I help pay for housing, and medical and dental needs. Sometimes it is a loan to a single parent who wants to start a small business -- usually as a 'marchand' in the market place.

"Sadly, sometimes I pay for funerals. This is not charity -- this is social justice, one person at a time, a collaborative relationship between equals built on trust." -Sharon

"I meet many people who sincerely want to make a difference, but don't know where to start. But in order to make an effective, targetted difference in these Haitians' lives, we need accurate information to make informed decisions.

"Starthrower Foundation strives to be part of that process. Starthrowers -- those people who make a difference in our lives -- have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. There is no manual to read, and no right or wrong way to be a 'Starthrower'. We do what we can with our unique abilities which unfold throughout our lifetime.

"What are your gifts? How are you using them? When you make a positive difference in the world, large or small, you make the world a better place. Be inspired by Gandhi: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world. I challenge you to make a difference."
Blessed be.
In service, Sharon Gaskell, June 2005

Rice, beans and oil are weekly purchases for distribution to students and their families. These foods are purchased with donated funds, and cost about $200 USD/week, which feeds 35-40 young people for 2 days.

See Auguste's own story as it unfolds, in Kreyol at Haiti culture and life (with English translation by Sharon)

When Sharon is in Canada, Auguste and Dieugrand buy and bag these foods every week, and distribute on Sundays, ass funds are available. From time to time, this program must be suspended until funds come in. Their hunger doesn't stop, their tummies are still empty, but there simply isn't any money to continue. As food prices soar worldwide, this program becomes increasingly difficult to administer. See status updates on the Starthrower Foundation blog

When Sharon is in Haiti, she distributes food throughout the week, depending on available funds. With the huge increases in the price of gas, and the soaring costs of rice, etc., many times, we just don't have the money to buy food for the program. As always, we will do what we can, as best we can, and when we are able.

Sharon Gaskell is Starthrower Foundation's founding director. A former teacher and youth minister, she has been dividing her time between Canada and Haiti since 1998. In Canada, she speaks to students and other interested groups about social justice issues. To read more about Sharon and the founding of Starthrower Foundation, see this story.

If you would like to arrange to have Sharon Gaskell address your group when she is in Canada (Spring, Fall), then please submit a form.