Exclusive Interview with EarthSpark CEO and Founder Dan Schnitzer

Seattle, WA

About Me: Hi there! My name is Winson Law and I am currently a senior at University Prep in Seattle. While at the School for Ethics and Global Leadership (a high school semester program in Washington, DC), Citizen Effect's Dan Morrison came to speak about social entrepreneurship. After presenting his own social venture, I became inspired to become a citizen philanthropist as well. Today, I'm beginning my first project with the Lighting Hope for Haiti Project. Let's all give a little hope for Haiti by lighting it up!

The earthquake in Haiti has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom now live huddled together under tarps and tents. Nearly five months after the earthquake, streetlights remain in disrepair and the electrical grid is without much power. The lack of lighting in housing camps exacerbates an already fragile security situation. Women in these camps feel unsafe walking at night, as rape and incidents of physical abuse are rising in number. Community groups in these areas-- labeled “red zones” by international groups shortly after the earthquake-- are only now being approached by relief organizations to improve aid distribution and post-earthquake reconstruction. Citizen Effect is working with Earthspark International to distribute solar-powered lamps to women in these camps, harnessing local community groups to prioritize distribution to those most in need. The initiative focuses on camps located in Cité Soleil, one of the poorest slums in Port-au-Prince and a red zone in which more than half the population feels unsafe at night. Providing adequate lighting for the women of Cité Soleil and greater Port-au-Prince will make it safer for them to travel at night by reducing the possibility of physical abuse from nightly attackers. In addition, female survivors of the earthquake to can be empowered to organize patrols to protect themselves and their families with light from their solar lamps. Winson is committed to helping the women of Cité Soliel by providing them with the ability to read, work, and conduct activities after sunset with safety and comfort. Winson has pledged to raise $275 which will provide 20 solar powered lamps to women in need. As one of the camp residents, Madame Pierre, related to EarthSpark: “The lamp is very useful. I use it when I need to go out at night.” Donate to Winson’s project today and help provide 20 women of Port-au-Prince with a clean and reliable source of light and power.

go to project page