To: Friends of the Caribbean   On behalf of the Minnesota Caribbean Community, we send warm greetings.

As you may be aware, Haiti needs our help.

You have seen the magnitude of this disaster!  As such, we reach out to you for support.

The people of Haiti will greatly appreciate any assistance that you are able to provide.

“Haiti - Seems like you paid dearly for your freedom and ours, And you still keep paying. When, oh Lord, will it end?” David Rudder - Oh, how we love David Rudder

HELP

In the past the community (CDRF) collected lots of stuff but have learned that unless the stuff is very specific, with a direct transport conduit, money is the best way to get help to the people.

The means of giving has changed significantly. Today you can give by text or online.

We encourage that you give in the most convenient way and as much as you can. Encourage your friends & Family to give and pray for our people.

In this global economically challenged times, some may be able to give a lot others a little to none, but we all want to contribute. We, who are far away, and can’t

get our nails into digging rubble, help the sick or just do something; may seem helpless, even sad and yes slightly guilty for ignoring Haiti.

“Haiti I am sorry,

We misunderstood you,

One day we’ll turn our head and get inside you” from Haiti – D. Rudder

Sometimes it may be getting together, at a fundraiser, getting involved in sustaining efforts that can be therapeutically.

Find a cause, support a fundraiser, (mingle with like minded folks), even though you have contributed cash. Can this tragedy be a gateway, not only for Haiti but the Caricom Free Market?

Those who want to give by check, we invite you to make a tax-deductible financial contribution.

Please make checks payable to:

Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund (CDRF)

and mail or bring to the following locations:

Jamaica Minnesota Organization (JMO)

P.O. Box 580726, Minneapolis, MN 55458

 OR

Carifest

4801 Fourth Ave S

Minneapolis, MN 55419

The JMO is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.

We thank you for your support. Should you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

In addition, we ask that you forward this information to others in your network who you believe would like to help.

As we have done in the past, monetary and in-kind contributions will be distributed in collaboration with the

Embassy of Haiti and the International Red Cross.

Sustaining Efforts:

Stay connected for the sustaining efforts. This is for the long term. Perhaps, just perhaps, this could be the dawn of a modern Haiti.

Download this letter and pass it on.

haiti letter.pdf

Carifest is the annual Caribbean cultural event, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota and always during the fourth weekend of July. The Twin Cities is now discovering one of the truly vibrant events of summer! 

The Festival kicks off with the Friday Night Fiesta, at the TBD on Friday, July 23^rd, 2010. 

Doors open at 8:00 P:M, closes at 2:00 P:M  

Admission is in Advance and at the Door. 

This is an ALL AGES event.  Security is in Effect.  Dress Code: Caribbean Stylee.   

All proceeds go to fund Saturday’s  July 24^th, 2010 TwinCities Carifest 2010 Festival.   

The Carnival parade and masquerade begins at 3:30 pm and culminates at the stage area. The parade is in the style of West Indian carnival, common throughout every island of the Caribbean, many major cities in the US, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The groups, or masqueraders, wear exotic and often extravagant costumes and dance to the rhythms of the Caribbean- Soca, Calypso, Chutney, cadence, Reggae or variations of all. The parade may include steel bands, large individual costumes, the Kings and Queens of each band, and a variety of Caribbean music. Each group enjoys complete artistic freedom in design, music selection and theme. Prizes are offered for best costumes and renditions of themes. All are invited and encourage to  join a  masquerade group in order to truly get the feeling of the West Indian Carnival!

Carifest has become an integral part of the Twin Cities Caribbean community and the greater community is now discovering one of the most vibrant festivals of the upper Midwest. Carifest is a free family friendly event where one can sample the attitudes, food, music and cultural delights of the Caribbean. Carifest adds to the good life of the Twin Cities and is now truly a celebration of the BEST DAY OF SUMMER!