ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An organization started by a University of Central Florida graduate is working to help the still-suffering survivors of a devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Five years ago Haiti was hit with a devastating earthquake that killed thousands of people. Estimates are that more than 200,000 people died in the disaster.
On Monday Channel 9's Roy Ramos spoke with representatives for an Orlando-based organization that continues to help Haitians by selling sandals they make from repurposed tires.
"It was by far the worst thing I have ever seen in my life," Julie Colombino, with REBUILD Globally, said about the earthquake.
Colombino is one of the millions of people who offered assistance to the country that was crippled by the natural disaster.
Her work is seen on the feet of those wanting to help Haiti rebuild.
Colombino said selling just one pair of sandals gives a Haitian family the opportunity for a job, safe and secure housing, health insurance and the opportunity for Haitian parents to send their children to school, with their own income.
"The products that you buy, it makes a difference on how that person is being paid and how they are being treated and what happens to the environment," said Colombino.
Colombino said as her REBUILD Globally organization continues to grow their recent partnership with fashion designer Kenneth Cole has boosted their business as well as the economy in Haiti where the sandals are made and exported.
"By buying a pair of these sandals you are literally changing a life," said Colombino.
Colombino employs 21 people at her workshop in Haiti.
More Info: REBUILD Globally website