Get to know Catherine Fortin and her volunteer work with HavServe in her own words.

I was born and raised in Montreal and I moved to Vancouver two years ago. I am a native French speaker, and I also speak English and Spanish. I am presently studying translation, and I would like to work as a professional translator in the future.
What motivated you to seek a volunteer opportunity with Havserve?When I learned that HavServe was looking for someone to translate documents from English to French for the teachers in Haiti, I thought it would be a good opportunity to help Haiti. I enjoy doing translation and I want to get as much experience as I can. It is nice to help others while doing something that you like.
What was your contribution to the HavServe programs/projects in Haiti?I translated some documents about the organization that need to be presented to the government of Haiti.
How do you perceive online volunteerism?I think it is important to help with whatever you can do, even if it is only something small. Online volunteerism allows you to help others no matter where you are located.
What did you learn about yourself during your experience?I find it very rewarding to do something useful.

Gannaway, whose works have fused the voices of children from around the world, sees this as a natural partnership. “I’m really inspired by the prospect of this campaign making a difference in Haiti’s villages,” Gannaway said, adding “The international presence of children in our compositions has broadened in scope over the years, and often the choirs we encounter come from a cultural backdrop of challenge on several fronts – but none like Haiti. There is something extraordinary in the Haitian people – a tremendous spirit of prevailing that is tested time and again, seemingly without pause. Music and dance often become the great counterbalance to generations of adversity in a developing nation like this, and it is our honor to work with these children. Such blooms of joy and hope are what fuel the sound of AOMUSIC. HavServe’s sustainable initiative in Haiti is hybrid and progressive, which we also strive to be; it’s a good fit all around.”
Carline is a native of Haiti and the co-Founder of a volunteer-driven not-for-profit organization (HavServe) that supports community-led development through volunteerism in least developed countries.
