From telethons to texting, the global community has come together to support the victims of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. But in Miami, Florida, one woman has reached out to the sailing community by asking them to donate something close to their hearts: sails.

Lynn Fitzpatrick, in collaboration with Haiti-life.org is asking sailors and sailmakers across the country to send their old sails and line to Shake a Leg in Miami, a community boating center focused on education and volunteerism. The sails will be shipped to Haiti where aid relief workers will use the donated materials to create much-needed shelters.

"We're two weeks away from the rainy season in Haiti," said Fitzpatrick, "As it is right now, even the people who survived the quake are so afraid there will be another, they aren't sleeping inside erect buildings. Everybody has been sleeping outside and the conditions are awful."

Fitzpatrick thought of the idea in the aftermath of the quake in January. She called up Shake a Leg Miami, where executive director Harry Horgan enthusiastically agreed to get on board. Member Kenny Batchelor volunteered to organize the incoming donations and an operation was born.

Already, Shake a Leg has received a massive shipment of sails from North Sails, Second Wind Sails and Coconut Grove Sails and Canvas. Upon hearing about the relief effort, several clients at North Sails decided to donate their sails rather than hold onto them for another season. "As sailors, we tend to not throw things away. We all have old sails lying around, and they can be used for a lot of things," said Fitzpatrick.

These sails, combined with stocks of food and supplies, will fill 15,000 pallets in a freighter that is set to leave Miami by Saturday. Sea Flower, the privately chartered cargo ship, has permission to take a second shipment, so Shake a Leg will continue to accept donations for several months. "Whether your sails arrive in a day or a month," said Fitzpatrick, "We assure you they'll get to Haiti."

With the Rolex OCR finishing up last weekend and the Miami Boat Show just around the bend, lots of sailors will be shuttling through the area. Should you choose to leave a sail behind, or ship one there, donations should be sent to: Shake a Leg Miami, 2620 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133-5424. If you plan to send a big shipment, send a notice to lynn@worldregattas.com before they arrive.

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