Stories from the field

Camilis Guerrier’s story – We won’t forget you

By Alison Frehlich, Canadian Red Cross

October 26, 2010

Her name is Camilis Guerrier, and she’s a prime example of strength amid hardship. She lives in a wooden Canadian Red Cross shelter, built where her house once stood. She is very proud of this gift, despite the fact that it remains nearly empty.

“I lost everything when my house collapsed,” Camilis said. “If I had more to fill it up with, I would.”

Her wooden shelter may not contain much furniture or the trinkets that make a house a home, but it is a safe and comfortable place for her and her family to sleep each night.

It is difficult to imagine having so little, yet continuing to persevere with such positivity the way Camilis does. It has taken time, but her life is improving each day. She spent seven months in a tent and is incredibly grateful to have a roof over her head now. She also had electricity installed so bit by bit the normalities of day-to-day life are returning for her.

“I’d like to thank the Canadian Red Cross for all that you have done for me,” she says. “But I’d also like Canadians to remember me and my country. Please don’t forget about us.”

Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, and support from the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross has the ability to work alongside communities in Haiti as they forge ahead toward a better future.