Tag: Fabien Vorbe

A Personal Story Straight from the Heart of Haiti

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Fabien Vorbe
Fabien Vorbe

In my last post, I introduced Fabien Vorbe.  All my previous posts have all dealt with professional athletes contributing to the relief efforts in Haiti; however, Fabien’s story allowed me to get an inside view from someone who was directly affected by the earthquake.   

Although we are not professional athletes here at Furman, we did more than enough to help one of our fellow mates.  On January 22, 2010, Furman held a soccer tournament that included all the athletic teams’ girls and boys, as well as coaches and staff. 

Overall, Fabien informed me that the tournament raised nearly $15,000 for him and his family.  Through all the trials and tribulations he and his family have faced over the past couple months, Fabien still puts himself second behind all those who were injured or killed by the earthquake.

 He informed me that his immediate family and relatives are safe and living at his uncle’s house that survived the quake.  Fabien was very appreciative and grateful for the prayers and support from the Furman family. 

Hopefully, with the relief efforts continuing to grow, Fabien, his family, and his beloved country can return to peace as soon as possible. 

For more please check out my interview with Fabien.

Lending a Hand to Haiti, No Matter How Small

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Symbols of local efforts to help raise money for Haiti
Symbols of local efforts to help raise money for Haiti

In my previous posts, I have talked about the government or big organizations helping raise money for the Haitian relief effort, but there are many other efforts going on, on a much smaller scale that desreve to be mentioned as well. Younger adults especially, who have ties of their own to Haiti have done what they can to get the word out and rasie support for the Haitian people.

I myself, with my parents and siblings living in Port-au-Prince Haiti, have raised money be going around and talking to the sororites and fraternities on campus.  Another haitian student here at Furman, Fabien Vorbe, who also happens to be on the varsity soccer team help set up a fundrasier for Haiti as well. When I asked him how about this soccer extravanza put on to raise money for the earthquake relief he said,

“It was nice seeing how many people actually came out to support the cause. It was fun and helped out my people a the same time. Even though I can’t be in Haiti right now helping, I feel like this is helping too. “

Students playing soccer during Haiti Extravaganza (media credit: Stephen Meyer)
Students playing soccer during Haiti Extravaganza (media credit: Stephen Meyer)

Other students from schools all over have held similar events, telling their own personal story of their connection to Haiti and getting their friends and classamtes to help out. One of my friends who attends school in New York had T-shirts sold and printed with all proceeds going to Haiti. Another one of my friends went around and spoke to local businesses asking for donations and raised over $2,000. 

There is no requirement for lending a hand, and no donation is too small. Haiti needs help and everyone can do something.

Rachelle Audio bite

Bad Soccer Played for a Good Cause

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Fabien Vorbe, U-17 Haitian National Team, Furman University Paladins
Fabien Vorbe, U-17 Haitian National Team, Furman University Paladins

Recently I had the privilege to interview Fabien Vorbe, a Furman student-athlete, who was born and raised in Haiti. 

He came to Furman University with great anticipation as a highly touted soccer recruit.  At the young age of 17, Fabien became a prominent player for U-17 Haitian National Team, competing against countries from all over the globe. 

He was named captain for the team and helped them reach the U-17 World Cup in Korea in 2007.  Fabien hails from one of the most notable footballing families in Haitian history so it was no surprise when Fabien exhibited splendid prowess out on the pitch. 

Fabien brought this prowess to Furman by starting at forward as a freshman.  This past winter, like most college students, Fabien returned home to visit his friends and family for Christmas break. 

On January 10, he left his native home to come back to school.  The Haiti he left drastically changed the day he got back.  A disastrous earthquake ravaged his home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010. 

Fabien received word that his family made it out alive but his house was destroyed.   Some of his closest friends and teammates died in the earthquake.  Also, he was devastated to find out that his Haitian National Team coach lost his life along with 30 Football Federation members. 

To help raise money for Fabien and his family, Furman University held a school-wide soccer tournament on January 22, 2010.  I had the honor in participating in the tournament and felt honored to help out. 

It was great to see students, fellow athletes, and coaches donating to help Fabien and his family.  The story was covered by the Greenville News. 

Check out the interview with Fabien in my next post and also check out these pictures of Fabien.