By Anne White
On Wednesday afternoon, the Greenwich Rotary Club hosted Bill Morin, the Chief Development Officer for Global Hope Network International (GHNI). GHNI is a non-profit organization that works to empower impoverished communities around the world. The organization operates in over 40 countries and works to bring sustainable change to communities in need.
Morin then discussed the recent earthquake in Turkey and GHNI’s relief efforts in the region. He shared shocking statistics, including 9.1 million people affected, 44,000 people dead, 108,000 people injured, 2.2 million people displaced, and 1.9 million people living in temporary shelters. Morin also showed pictures and videos of the destruction caused by the earthquake.
GHNI’s relief efforts in Turkey started within 12 hours of the earthquake because they had staff on the ground who were experienced in working in the region. GHNI provided blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, and diapers, and also set up soup kitchens where people could come to eat and talk with each other. Morin emphasized the importance of rebuilding the community in desperate times like this, as it gives people hope.
Morin also discussed GHNI’s plans for the long term in Turkey, which includes creating women’s empowerment centers from shipping containers. He ended his speech by emphasizing the importance of giving both help and hope to the hidden and the hurting, which is GHNI’s mission.
During his speech, Morin shared his experiences working with GHNI and the progress that the organization has made in empowering communities around the world. He began by discussing the challenges that communities in poverty face, including lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities such as clean water and food.
Morin then went on to discuss GHNI’s approach to addressing these challenges. He explained that GHNI focuses on empowering communities by working with them to identify their needs and develop sustainable solutions. GHNI’s approach is centered on the idea of community-led development.
Throughout his speech, Morin emphasized the importance of long-term, sustainable solutions to poverty. He explained that GHNI’s approach focuses on empowering communities to become self-sufficient and independent, rather than providing short-term aid that does not address the root causes of poverty.
The Greenwich Rotary was moved by Morin’s speech and impressed by GHNI’s relief efforts in Turkey. They have committed to supporting GHNI in their efforts by providing donations and possibly a global grant.
One member of the Greenwich Rotary, Sally Parris, spoke highly of Morin’s presentation, saying “Bill is a dynamic speaker who engaged our club members and provided insight into the work GHNI does around the world. His focus on providing hope and help to those in need resonates with our members and we look forward to supporting their efforts.”
His presentation was a call to action for the Greenwich Rotary and anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
With the cold Winter temperatures, there is still an urgent need to help people stay warm and sheltered, by providing tents and heaters. With their staff’s connections, they have been able to provide these di cult to source items. They are raising support to provide weatherized all-season tents that can house 8-15 people, and space heaters safe for the tents. The cost of a tent is $800, and heaters are $250 each: $1,050 for both.
Morin’s speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing global poverty through sustainable, community-led development. To learn more visit globalhopenetwork.org.
