I started to be truly interested in social responsibility in 2015. But what or who called me there?
I was not far away from that, but I was not very focused. Until I was influenced by the company I worked for, Copa Airlines, which has a robust corporate social responsibility program in Spanish, “Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE).”
And a former Panamanian colleague, Barry Fernadez, also played a significant role after he talked to me during a visit to Haiti at the end of 2014 and strongly recommended that I get involved.
Did I know how to start?
I needed to learn how to start since I was not interested in being active in that field. So, I spend days and nights thinking about what to do and where to start.
I used to help, but by circumstances or when I got a call for participation. Let’s say I used to be occasionally ready to act when necessary. The same way I was helping after the earthquake in Haiti, the day I got interviewed by a CNN reporter.
One day, I had to comply with a local objective. That was part of the objectives the company assigned me as their local manager at the International airport of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.
I had to plan a local good action day. I have discussed this with my team, and we decided to visit an orphanage.
We bought food and balloons and made a short procession to visit the children. Then, we spent the day playing and having a good time with them. That was wonderful; in the end, we were simultaneously so happy and proud to see that we could bring some happiness to these children.
Then what did I do?
I just decided to continue. I have talked to some friends and staff out of the airport. We agreed to visit other orphanages. After two or three more visits, I realized that even the ones who were helping also needed help.
Based on that, I said. I will not create an orphanage; this requires a lot of sacrifices and management. I will not build schools or clinics for needy children, but I will act to support the people who have to decide to do that. I will help to help. I adopted that slogan which meant a lot to me and defined all actions I will take.
With some close friends and collaborators, I have created the Caricon Club. “Caribbean International Connection Club.”
My dream was to create a way of empowering the next generation to realize their potential and have the opportunity for a better life.
The club promotes social responsibility by sponsoring knowledge, creativity, recreation, cultural exchange, and good actions.
Caricon Club has been successful in its initiatives which have helped provide clothes, toys, food, and entertainment for over 200 children. And build practical skills and a self-leadership workshop program that targets over 800 children and youths.
So far, these efforts have supported some organizations acting to help needy or orphaned children living in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. And many individuals who are working on launching or building a career or project.
I have various projects that I’m working on with the club. Most of these projects are about Education, Cultural exchange, diversity, healthy recreation, online incubation, Orientation, and coaching.
We hope to act in various countries like Mexico, Belize, Panama, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, and more.
Do I need help? And why did I not call for use at the beginning?
Of course, yes, I need help; however, when I started. I did not publicly call for help or donation, except for some friends and colleagues from Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago, who knew me. They knew about what I was doing. So, they decided to bring some personal support.
After that, I decided to finance everything by sharing my paycheck. Because I was afraid that some people would start judging me, this could happen since I would ask for money donations. There is so much corruption in the world now. I had just begun and had yet to have a history. I was afraid to be seen in the wrong way.
Today, I still believe that I should continue the same way and accept support only from people who know me. But my personal economy alone is not enough. And it was hit by Covid-19, which affected my job position.
The family also had to face difficult moments due to the loss of the mother of my kids. She had cancer, and we had to fight for her life. Unfortunately, we lost her. I have also lost some friends during the pandemic period. So, I had no choice now. So, I said, let me try other options since I don’t want to stop.
How can people help?
Any kind of donation will be welcome. New and used clothes and footwear. New and used electronic devices like tablets and laptops. Foods, toys, books, copybooks, other materials, money donations Etc. Even suggestions and pieces of advice will be welcome.
You can donate now using PayPal or a credit card: Click here
Or contact us for any donation related to clothes, food, devices, wire transfer, deposit, Etc. at: causes@francklinpierre.com
Thank you very much to all of you!
Francklin Pierre
Caribbean Social Communicator,
Community manager.
Promotor of Self-Leadership, Travel Safety,
Cultural Exchange and Culture of peace