As the victims of Haiti’s recent earthquake struggle to recover, a unique solution is being provided by a local high school student. 

Sacred Heart Parish is filling the contents of a shipping container with needed supplies for victims of Haiti’s January 12th earthquake.  The devastating earthquake that struck Haiti destroyed more than 10% of all buildings on the fragile island nation.  As a result, Haitian relief workers, on scene, have reported that the demand for tents is critical.  From shielding the roof of a damaged structure, to providing cover for the delivery of medical services, Haiti is in desperate need of shelter.  The approaching rainy season makes the need even more urgent.

Christopher Schultz, a junior at St. Anthony High School and member of the Effingham CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) class, realized that a material could be recycled to provide the perfect shelter for Haiti. The material is the vinyl tarps that are used for outdoor advertising.  Billboard firms utilize these tarps for their printed ads.  However, once the advertizing period has ended, the water proof tarps are removed and rarely reused.  That’s where Schultz saw the opportunity.

The large tarps, some more than 75 feet in length, can provide excellent shelter, particularly in emergency situations, like Haiti. Schultz credits the many area businesses that stepped up to help him. Working with Dusty’s Outdoor Media and Double D Sign Company, Schultz secured assorted vinyls to send down to Haiti.  Also, Brumleve Industries and Creative Designs helped in putting necessary grommets on the vinyls.  

The Sacred Heart shipment represents the second set of tarps supplied to Haiti by Schultz.  Working with a Springfield, IL mission group, Schultz was able to ship the first set of tarps in late February.  With the Sacred Heart delivery, nearly 10,000 square feet of shelter has been provided utilizing the recycled material. 

Schultz credits the Effingham CEO class as the impetus for his work. “The CEO class has taught me to look for opportunities and to network so that I can make things happen in the world around me. This worked because it was a team effort.”

(ABOVE, CHRISTOPHER SCHULTZ WITH CHRISTY HAKMAN OF SACRED HEART PARISH WITH SOME OF THE TARPS THAT HAVE BEEN COLLECTED FOR HAITI...BELOW, CHRISTOPHER WITH BRAD WALTON, MISSION OUTREACH MANAGER {SPRINGFIELD} WITH SOME OF THE TENT MATERIAL BOUND FOR HAITI)