Sailing through unsettling weather and avoiding modern day pirates made for a fantastic voyage that enabled 3 young Florida youths to participate in their first ever international aid effort by sea!
Through the combined efforts of 3 young Floridians, their parents and hundreds of other young people, 2,000 pairs of hand painted Art Miles Shoes of Hope, baby formula, food, medical supplies and power generators were delivered to survivors of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in January. Thanks to the efforts of sister and brother Maya (9 years old) and Fynn (6 years old), and parents Captain Cameron and First Mate Leighia Murray and crew, the much needed supplies were personally delivered and handed over to a Haitian orphanage and school on the isle of La Gonave, after an adventurous and dangerous sea voyage aboard the Sailing Vessel “Tranquility”. Both Maya and Fynn were active crew members on board and on land with SV Tranquility and worked hard at preparations and deliveries, as well as preparing art projects and a mural for the children of La Gonave.
Back on shore in Destin, Florida another 9 year old Florida youth, Art Miles Shoes of Hope 9 year old Ambassador Ally Woodard was busy continuing her efforts to raise more funds to buy and paint shoes for future expeditions and following the day by day journey of Maya, Fynn and Tranquility as they sailed their way to and from Haiti evading the lurking dangers that had everyone back home, holding their breath with anxious thoughts about their safety both on the water and ashore, as desperate and hungry Haitians and known pirates are plagued by the situation there in the aftermath of the earthquakes destruction. The 2,000 pairs of hand painted shoes containing hand written messages were deemed “real treasure” by Maya, Ally and Fynn, and to all who helped paint, pack, load and deliver the much needed shoes and words of cheer and HOPE.
According to Art Miles Shoes of Hope Ambassador Ally Woodard, who will travel to New York to be honored at the EPCI Awards on April 7th (sponsored by the White House Project), “We are really proud of our Art Miles Shoes of Hope Project and so far we have delivered more than 37,400 pairs of shoes to South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Bangladesh, the Philippines Mexico, Cambodia and now Haiti. These latest donations of shoes were sponsored by Bridgepoint Education and Volunteer San Diego who air shipped the shoes to us here in Florida in time for “Tranquility” to set sail.”
Other major partners and contributors for this maiden voyage were: Endangered Planet Foundation, Schooner Liberty an others and future aid is being organized and planned for continuing fantastic journeys to come.
Note of Interest: The Tranquilty and crew were part of the Key West Conch Republic Navy (CRN)effort, with mulitple boats delivering over 25 tons of needed supplies in a "flotilla" approach to separate destinations. SV Tranquilty became a "flagged" vessel in the Conch Republic Navy, flying their CRN flag, and sailing solo to their destination in the final "wave" of boat. Volunteers from several organizations, provided coordination, voice and email communications, weather reports and contact with the local Haiti non-governmental organizations. Goals include developing sustaining infrastructures for the local communities, while in the short term providing immediate relief. On the ground surveys by two CRN vessels, Tranqulitiy and Haitus will assist with follow-on efforts in Haiti.

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For further information and available photographs/waivers please contact: JTawfilis at JTawfilis@artmiles.org (760) 298-0842
Or Ally Woodard at DWDESTIN@aol.com (phone) or Cameron Murray at sytranquility@transmarinepro.com, transmarine@ocens.net