Monthly Newsletter: January 2020

Blada (lower right - kneeling) and staff at the inauguration of Kay Blada's new location in December.

Inauguration of Kay Blada's New Location in Hinche

On Blada's work trip to Haiti in December, Kay Blada Recycling's new location in Hinche was opened to the public in an exciting inauguration ceremony. Kay Blada hosted a gathering for all of our neighbors and local businesses to come celebrate the new recycling center and learn more about our program. The attendees had lots of great ideas and suggestions, and they expressed strongly how much they appreciate the work. We spent a fair amount of time talking with everyone as people were coming and going, and we did not leave the site until late that evening. Among the people who were there, we had several journalists from local and national media. We also had a professional photographer there, who was able to capture the moments for us so beautifully.

One of the priorities for this trip was to organize the inside of the new facility and build the shelter for the workers to protect from rain and sun. Because of what Haiti has been going through politically for the past two years, Haitians are confronting a dramatic increase in building material prices and cost of living in general. For this reason, construction materials and labor were significantly more expensive than originally quoted. However, several donors were able to provide emergency donations/loans and the construction was thankfully able to continue. A cement floor still has to be poured and then the facility will be wired for electricity, a luxury we have never had!

Kay Blada's new facility (still under construction).

Blada explained in his trip report what he'd like to accomplish in the next few months: "First of all, I want to continue educating and motivating the staff. Right now, it appears to me that they are happier than ever, because they feel like Kay Blada Recycling is allowing them to grow. They also expressed their appreciation to Kay Blada Recycling for allowing them to be part of something bigger than themselves. My hope is to bring in speakers every few months, because they really liked the last one. Secondly, while continuing to improve Kay Blada Recycling’s internal infrastructure, I want to provide the employees with the tools they need to do the work well, and enjoy doing it. That includes: gloves, t-shirts, boots, communication/transportation tools, data collection tools, etc. It’s super exciting!"

"I want to conclude by saying that this was one of my most successful work trips ever. Work trips like this one allow me to demonstrate how I want the facility to run/operate, how the employees should behave, and continue maintaining and improving the kind of ​organizational culture​ that’s in accordance with Kay Blada's mission. Most importantly, work trips like this allow me to maintain my connection and trust with the community as the leader of this exciting social initiative."

- Johnson "Blada" Desauguste

Founder and Executive Director

Year-End Tax Receipts

Last year was a great year for Kay Blada. Last year, we tripled the donations we received in 2018. Thank you to all of our donors for standing by us in tough times and making this Kay Blada's best year yet!

Additionally, if you donated in 2019 and did not provide your address, please send your mailing address to kaybladarecycling@gmail.com to receive your tax receipt and claim your exemption.

As always, thank you for everything you do to support us.