YMCA d'Haiti

The Ridgewood YMCA, in cooperation with the YMCA d'Haiti, is asking for your help in supporting the YMCA d'Haiti Soccer Camp Program, now in its sixth year!

This year's camp will take place from June 29 to July 7 in the town of Jacmel.

For many Haitian children and teens, the Soccer Camp Program is the highlight of their year and includes a full week of soccer training and games, along with 3 meals per day. Your gift will help cover the costs for the program, including sports equipment, materials, housing, food, and much more. All contributions, no mattter the amount, are greatly appreciated!

The Ridgewood YMCA’s relationship with Haiti began in 2004 with our co-sponsorship of the Haiti YMCA summer soccer camp program. Through our World Service program, we donated funds to the soccer program, along with additional funds to be used for computers, scholarships, hurricane emergency relief, and the building of an English language library. Since 2004, we’ve continued to donate to the soccer program each year.

In 2008, armed with donated items, including 150 soccer balls, Ridgewood YMCA Board Member, Jim Delia, and other Ridgewood YMCA members traveled to Haiti to conduct a soccer camp for 70 children in the town of Camp Perrin.

The group returned in 2009 for two weeks of camp and also to establish the first ever YMCA of Haiti National Soccer Team. Subsequent trips have taken place each summer with trips to the towns of Aquin, Deluge, and Croix-des-Bouquets.


Says Delia, “Soccer is an escape for most of these kids. It’s a way to occupy their day and for many, the game is a lifesaver. Our goal is take that enthusiasm for the game and use it to teach these kids some of the core values of the Y such as responsibility, teamwork, honesty, respect and caring”.

Search