The many orphaned children living in Haiti have a good samaritan in an Orangeville resident who has dedicated her life to helping the children.

Sharon Gaskell, a former teacher and part-time Orangeville resident now spends her time between her home in Canada and Cap-Haitian, Haiti.

Since 1998, for durations of three to six months at a time, Ms. Gaskell chooses to live in Haiti and do whatever she can for the starving children.

"Haiti has a population of 8 or 9 million orphans," Ms. Gaskell said. "and they have absolutely nothing."

Describing the living conditions the children endure, she says it is difficult to describe because it's beyond what the average Canadian would consider poor.

"The pictures most people are familiar with don't begin to show the atrocity that occurs."

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with over 80 per cent of its population living below the poverty line and Ms. Gaskell is realistic enough to know that it's impossible to help all of the poor in in the world, but believes helping one person at a time does make a difference.

The Starthrower Foundation was created shortly after her first trip in 1998 and as director of the organization she and many sponsors are currently helping 150 young people create a better life.

"We are able to send them to school, offer clothing and medical, anything that is needed."

Ms. Gaskell feels overwhelmed sometimes by the need because for every child she sees at the dropin centre they have created, there are a number of siblings or cousins who are dependent on that child to provide for them.

"There are very few parents around for these children, they are on their own and the older ones have to look after the younger ones."

The drop-in centre is a place of refuge and represents a place to get some needed supplies including food and clothing, as well as learning a trade.

"It's a place for them to visit and we try to help in any way we can." says Ms. Gaskell.

Undeterred by the kidnapping in June of Huguette Goulet, a Canadian missionary, working in the capital city, Port-auPrince, Ms. Gaskell says she will continue to return to Haiti.

"I know safety is a concern," she says.

"But if not me, then who?"

After Mr. Goulet was kidnapped, the Canadian government advised Canadians not to visit the country saying it is in political turmoil which included a coup last year.

Since 1999, a dozen Canadians have been held hostage in Haiti and released unharmed, including Mr. Goulet after his family paid an undisclosed ransom to the kidnappers.

Ms. Gaskell and the Starthrower Foundation stay focused on the needs of the children as she prepares for her next stay that begins July 1.

"These children need help.

"It's amazing how much good can be done with a small donation."

For more information about the Starthrower Foundation visit the website www.starthrowerfoundation. org .