Ansell and Child in Hand Announce Completion of Critical Community Projects in Haiti

Indoor sporting facility and orphanage/medical center become a reality

ISELIN, New Jersey, Jan. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Ansell, a global leader in protection solutions, announces that its industrial and medical products have been delivered to Haiti in support of its community rebuilding efforts.  Working with Child in Hand, an organization committed to providing integrated medical, psychosocial, and sports programming to treat and train children and leaders in disaster environments, Ansell and its partners have enabled the development of important and medical and community infrastructure in support of the local population.

"We are proud to have supported Child in Hand and its partners in this work," states Robert Gaither, Ansell Senior Vice President and Regional Director, North America.  "Our products are used throughout the world, across dozens of industries, but there is tremendous satisfaction in knowing that the people of Haiti, still in the midst of recovery, are benefitting from our support and engagement."

Indoor Sporting Facility

Child in Hand, USA Volleyball, Creative Tent International, the Haitian Volleyball Federation (FHVB) and NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation) teamed up to create Haiti's third indoor sporting facility, about 8 miles north of capital Port-au-Prince.  The facility was purposed to serve the community as a Multi-Sport venue, primarily volleyball and basketball.  Child in Hand also needed this space to conduct group trainings in medical first-response, psychological first-aid and sports instruction for community leaders, orphanage caregivers, and children.

Creative Tent International donated an earthquake and hurricane resistant 120' x 120' structure to overlay an existing cement pad. The construction of the tent was made much easier by a generous donation of HyFlex® work gloves.  Ansell equipped Child in Hand and Creative Tent International staff  -- and more than 20 local Haitian workers -- with strong and durable gloves, helping to make the three day tent completion a more manageable and efficient success. The Ansell donation enabled the completion of this important symbol of progress and hope for the people of Haiti.

"Working with this group of Haitian workers was entertaining and productive as their lively imaginations coupled with their ability to learn quickly led to a surprising pace of accomplishment," said Richard Garner, Child in Hand Project Director.  "The Ansell gloves were cherished as they allowed the people to handle small bolts and items without removing their gloves, becoming a prized possession."

Orphanage and Clinic

The Be Like Brit orphanage is a 19,000 square foot structure built to US standards to ensure maximum stability in the face of another earthquake. The orphanage, built by the Gengel Family of Rutland, MA in memory of their daughter Brittany who lost her life in the collapse of the Montana Hotel during the earthquake of 12 January 2010, will house 66 orphans and numerous local staff with the aim of providing Haitian children with the highest standards of educational and holistic care. The Be Like Brit orphanage has donated space for Child in Hand to establish a clinic boasting six rooms, including two exam rooms, a laboratory, a nursery, a triage room and a storage area, filled with hundreds of donated medical items, including an array of the Ansell MICRO-TOUCH ® gloves. Be Like Brit's grand opening was held January 6, 2013.

"Ansell medical gloves made an immediate difference in providing the necessary care to the children in the area," said Dr. Greg Ciottone, Child in Hand Medical Director.  "We are convinced that the recently opened orphanage and medical clinic will increase the quality of life for the community, and are delighted to have a partner in Ansell who shares that commitment."

Ansell will continue to work with Child in Hand and other organizations in support of these and other recovery and relief efforts.

About Ansell

Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well being.

With operations in North America, Latin America/Caribbean, EMEA and Asia, Ansell employs more than 11,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the personal protective equipment and medical gloves market, as well as in the sexual health and well being category worldwide. Ansell operates in four main business segments: Medical Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Specialty Markets and Sexual Wellness.

Information on Ansell and its products can be found at http://www.ansell.com

SOURCE: Ansell Healthcare

Ansell News Bureau, [email protected], [phone]