The town of Limbe sits about 22 kilometers away from Haiti’s northern shore. Though it was far from the January earthquake that devastated the southern regions, the town has experienced a major shake-up in the wake of the quake.

Towns like Limbe, with a population of roughly 50,000 people, have seen their populations swell by as much as 30 percent, as the sons and daughters who went to find work in Port-au-Prince now return home. In disaster’s wake, a tenuous balance has been tipped for towns with an already-shaky infrastructure. Lack of adequate sanitation, clean water, and food were already issues in Limbe before the quake, and the problems are only compounded now. 

But according to Rosedanie Cadet, leader of Orcas Island-based relief organization Helping Hands Noramise, a new Haiti can be born out of the tragedy. Cadet envisions a Haiti where everyone has access to education, proper sanitation, and proper nutrition, and is working to foster that through Helping Hands Noramise.

In March 2010, volunteers from Helping Hands Noramise worked with individuals and groups in Limbe, planting gardens, fostering artisan partnerships, and mobilizing townspeople to remove a giant trash pile from their marketplace.

In May 2010, the group will return again to continue nurturing the seeds that were planted in March. Plans are in place to begin building a school in Limbe, and in June, a group of teen volunteers from Orcas Island will go to Haiti to help build it.

Dozens of businesses from Orcas Island have organized fundraisers this month, to continue the work of Helping Hands Noramise.

Monday, April 26: Madrona Bar and Grill, all proceeds from appetizers.

Tuesday, April 27: The Kitchen, percentage of the day’s proceeds.

Tuesday, April 26 through Friday, April 30: Tres Fabu, a percentage of the week’s proceeds.

Wednesday, April 28: Straight Shots Espresso, a percentage of the day’s proceeds. Inn at Shipbay, $10 from each dining room entrée.

Thursday, April 29: Deer Harbor Inn and Restaurant, benefit dinner from 5-8 p.m., $25. The meal will include a choice of vegetarian lasagna or grilled marinated free range chicken, split pea soup, garden salad, homemade bread and strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Friday, April 30: Westsound Café at Kingfish Inn, 5-8 p.m., all proceeds from appetizers and desserts.

For email Rosedanie Cadet at rosedanie@noramise.org, or call 376-2689. For more information, visit www.noramise.org