Contact: Kate Nare Marketing Coordinator (858) 274-3718 Office (925) 872-1642 Cell kate@plantwithpurpose.

org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

One Year Later: Plant With Purpose Plants Over 540,000 Trees in Haiti Nonprofit restores health and hope to rural Haitian communities
SAN DIEGO January 12, 2011 Plant With Purpose, a nonprofit working internationally to reverse poverty and deforestation among the rural poor, has empowered farmers to plant over 540,000 trees and construct nearly 600 miles of soil conservation barriers since January 2010. The nonprofit raised over $1 million for immediate relief efforts, which they used to distribute over 107 tons of seed to rural communities and to employ 4,300 people through their Cash for Work program. As a result of these efforts, thousands of families were able to feed their households, as well as the Internally Displaced People (IDP) who came to live with them after fleeing Port au Prince. They also experienced improved health and increased incomes. By providing work and opportunities in the countryside, Plant With Purpose is providing a healthier alternative to the crowded and dangerous tent camps that choke Port au Prince, said Plant With Purpose Executive Director, Scott Sabin. Since the earthquake, we have seen an increase in the interest in our programs from IDPs and other communities, and we hope to expand our efforts. We will continue to work with rural Haitians long-term to reverse the vicious cycle of poverty and deforestation permanently through reforestation projects, soil conservation efforts, and savings and loan groups. Plant With Purpose is also educating community members about the dangers of cholera to reduce propagation and infection. In addition, the organization will distribute 400 drinking water sanitation systems, which serve to purify the drinking water. These measures are preventative, as no cases have yet been reported. Plant With Purpose has worked in Haiti for 14 years with 67 communities to eradicate poverty and restore the land. For interview inquiries, or for additional information on Haiti and Plant With Purpose, including videos and photos, please contact Kate Nare at kate@plantwithpurpose.org. About Plant With Purpose Plant With Purpose (www.plantwithpurpose.org) is an international, environmental organization that transforms lives in rural areas where poverty is caused by deforestation. For over 25 years, Plant With Purpose has provided lasting solutions to heal the relationship between people and their environment by planting trees, implementing sustainable agriculture programs, creating economic opportunity through micro-enterprise, and encouraging spiritual renewal.