(NYC) October 26th – On Friday October 30th, NYC will officially join forces with five other U.S. cities to support Port-au-Prince, Haiti in a competition that could bring the country one step closer to expanding a new waste management project that turns trash into energy.

Representatives in Miami, Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles have each pledged their support for the recycling program entitled “LOVE ‘N HAITI,” one of 12 finalists in the BBC World News’ “World Challenge ‘09” contest. If LOVE ‘N HAITI receives the most online votes, they will win a grant to extend the program.

New York City will host a press conference on Friday, October 30^th, 2009 at 12:00PM EST at TAJ in Midtown ( ). During the press conference, Haitian Memorial Foundation Founder, Maxime Auguste, joined by local activists and members from the Haitian community, will make a call of action to everyone to vote for LOVE ‘N HAITI in the “World Challenge ‘09” competition.

LOVE ‘N HAITI focuses on producing recycled paper charcoal known as “briquettes”. The environmentally friendly project can benefit Haiti by: decreasing deforestation, creating a cleaner, safer and healthier environment and reducing the incidence of floods.

Celebrities such as Wyclef, actress/model Garcelle Beauvais, Russell Simmons, Free (Power 105 FM), Sha Money, Tony Yayo, Mona Scott-Young (Monami Entertainment), actor Jamie Hector, Claudine Joseph (Violator Management) and singer Black Dada have recently signed on as ambassadors for LOVE ‘N HAITI.

The World Challenge competition began on September 28 and runs through November 13. People can vote for LOVE ‘N HAITI by logging ontowww.theworldchallenge.co.uk.

NYC Joins Five Other Cities in Support of ‘LOVE ‘N HAITI’ in the BBC World Challenge ‘09 

WHO:         The Haitian Memorial Foundation & NY Carib News

WHAT:       Press Conference to Rally NYC to Vote for “LOVE ‘N HAITI” in the BBC World Challenge ’09 Contest -www.theworldchallenge.co.uk

WHEN:       Friday October 30th, 2009 – 12:00pm          

WHERE:     TAJ

48 W 21st St
New York, NY 10010-6907
(212) 620-3033               

CONTACT:  Maxime Auguste (The Haitian Memorial Foundation), HaitianMemorialFoundation@gmail.com, (914) 751-3303

Shante Bacon (135th Street Agency), Shante@135stAgency.com, 917-553-0005