The Haiti earthquake, which occurred on January 12, 2010, was a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake, with an epicenter near the town of Léogâne, approximately 16 miles west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. By January 24, at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater had been recorded. As of February 12, an estimated three million people were affected by the quake. The Haitian Government reported that between 217,000 and 230,000 people had been identified as dead, an estimated 300,000 injured, and an estimated one million homeless. They also estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings had collapsed or were severely damaged.
Dutchman, Johan Smoorenburg, a missionary of 36 years, founded "Heart for Haiti" in December of 1981. He started his work on the island Martinique. After 10 years there, he left Martinique and went to Haiti with his wife and two children with a vision to do something for young people.
Smoorenburg was inspired to help underprivileged children after visiting a Haitian orphanage resembling more of a pigsty than a home. There were more than 50 small children— all of them malnourished and sleeping on the floor.
Smoorenburg, with support from the Netherlands, built a children's village. His goal was to allow underprivileged children to receive good care and education. In 1983, the first 40 children came to live there. Over the course of many years, hundreds of children were given a chance at a successful life.
The young people in the children's village and adults are being offered the opportunity of a better future through schooling and proper nourishment. The senior citizens peacefully enjoy their old age. The children's village in Bon-Repos, and Léogâne are and will remain an oasis of hope with continued help from people and organizations like Arrindell Aviation.
Frank Arrindell founded Arrindell Aviation Services with five employees who set out to provide unmatched service, while meeting the meticulous demands of the industry. By never compromising this goal, they grew to 70 employees who personify a unique corporate culture of excellence. Arrindell Aviation has received many honors—such as number one FBO on St. Maarten and number five FBO in the Caribbean by Pro Pilot Magazine. Arrindell continues to give back, to not only the community of St. Maarten, but also other communities in need.
