Children’s Place International presented Columbus-based Konbit Lasante pou Limonad Inc. with its 2017 Children’s Place International Midwest Hero Award at its annual fall event in Chicago.
The event highlighted the special contributions of organizations based in the U.S. Midwest, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa toward changing the future for children living in extreme poverty.
The Children’s Place International Midwest Hero Award recognizes an individual or organization, based in the U.S. Midwest, which has demonstrated outstanding volunteer, financial or other philanthropic support for children living in extreme poverty.
Konbit and Children’s Place International have partnered since 2008, directly impacting the lives of hundreds of vulnerable children through initiatives that provides basic health, nutrition and educational support to families in Haiti.
“Konbit’s work should inspire anyone who has ever read a newspaper headline about children in poverty and wondered what they could do,” said John Sweeney, director of Children’s Place International. “A group of compassionate people saw children living in extreme poverty and decided to do something about it. Child-by-child, family-by-family, Konbit’s long-term commitment has made a huge difference,” he added.
Konbit Lasante was founded in 2006 by people in Columbus who made a connection with the community of Limonad, Haiti. The organization is focused on improving the health and well being of the people who live in this northern agricultural area.
The group’s name, from Haitian Creole, roughly translates as “working together for health in Limonad.” Konbit board member Dave Shaw accepted the award on behalf of the organization noting.
“We are honored to receive this award. The key to success has been the strong partnership between and Konbit and Children’s Place,” Shaw said.
