The General Manager of our Bethesda location, Bill Hart III visited Haiti in Feburary on a humanitarian mission. Here are some of his thoughts:
"Haiti was a lot different than I had imagined. My preconceived notions of Haiti before my trip were it was a dangerous, place filled with poor, desperate people. What I found was that yes, it was a very poor country, but the people were totally different than I had expected. Instead of sitting around and complaining about their circumstances, I witnessed a people who were strong, resilient, and willing to do anything to help out their fellow citizens.
I helped out the Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Milot by managing a construction crew for various tasks around the hospital. These guys could work circles around most people in the United States and never complained! They were grateful just to have a job that paid them each $4 a day.
Haiti was truly an amazing experience that will forever change my views on the Haitian people."
- Bill Hart III, General Manager, Strosniders of Bethesda
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Below is an article written by and published for members of the True Value Hardware co-operative.
Strosniders True Value in Bethesda, Md., owned by Bill Hart Jr, and Bill Hart III, has a history of helping those in need. It was during a conversation with one of his customers, Larry Demaree, in his store following the earthquake in Haiti that Bill III connected with Dr. Fluery, another customer.
Dr. Fluery is a plastic surgeon who is heading up a trip from Washington, DC to Haiti to work at Hopital Sacre’ Coeur. He was shopping in the store one day and saw the donation canister on the check-out counter and asked Bill how he knew of Hopital Sacre Couer? Bill explained that his friend and customer Larry Demaree knew of the hospital and supported it. After researching the hospital himself, Bill decided to make it Strosniders’ charity for the Haiti crisis.
Wishing there was a way to help aside from just sending money, the two began talking about the need for supplies like those sold at True Value. Then they discussed the need for someone to help the building engineer at the hospital. Next thing he knew, Bill was making plans to travel with Dr. Fluery and his team to Haiti.
Bill is leaving the snow shovels at his store behind for those who are continuing to battle the weather in Maryland. But, he is taking supplies being donated by True Value as well as True Value shirts and hats.
"I felt that actually shipping hard-to-get products directly to the hospital in lieu of money was the best thing and True Value responded with extreme generosity. I am so proud of my co-op for stepping up and helping these unfortunate people. I know this act of kindness will go a long way with everyone involved."
— Bill Hart III, general manager, Strosniders True Value left for Haiti on Feb. 24
"I don’t speak anymore French than I have learned quickly from Daniel, the head cashier in my store," said Bill. "I now know how to say good morning, thank you, please, water and bathroom. I’ll have to wing the rest!
"Even though my family is always looking to help those in need, I’ve never done anything like this before. I really hope I can help make a difference in a few of these people’s lives while I’m there," Bill explained.
Bill is taking his camera and returning with pictures and stories to share. Check back for more information on Bill, CRUDEM and True Value's donations to work that helps the people of Haiti. Get more information on CRUDEM.
View photos of relief efforts at Hopital Sacré Coeur.
