Nationally renowned multinational choir Pihcintu to sing at Maine Walks with Haiti

Konbit Sante is proud to announce that the Pihcintu vocal group will perform as part of the festivities at this year’s Maine Walks with Haiti 5K run/walk fundraiser at Portland’s Back Cove Park on June 8.

Founded by award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician Con Fullam in 2004, Pihcintu consists of members ages 9 to 24 from 19 different nationalities. Most are refugees or immigrants, and many come from nations where war and persecution were part of their daily lives. “Pihcintu” is an indigenous word from the Passamaquoddy tribe that means “When she sings, her voice carries far.”

The nationally acclaimed group has performed at the United Nations, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and at schools and universities throughout Maine. Of the more than 300 girls who have been members of Pihcintu, 100 percent of its alumni have graduated high school, and 85 percent have graduated college.

Pihcintu performs songs that celebrate love, peace, and hope, making it a perfect fit for Maine Walks with Haiti. This year’s theme is “Building Bridges”—a coming together of people from various cultures and backgrounds in a celebration of all the things that make everyone unique as well as the universal needs that bind us together. The race will be timed, and walkers may participate for free. In addition to Pihcintu, the event will include children’s activities, food, and Haitian art for purchase.

As we prepare for this day, our biggest fundraiser of the year, we are reminded that Haiti, like many of the countries represented by the members of Pihcintu, is a country of beautiful art, beautiful music, and resilient people. Unfortunately, it also shares other aspects of those countries, including extreme poverty, a succession of natural disasters, political unrest, and crumbling infrastructure. Haiti needs support in developing its healthcare infrastructure. Its people suffer because of this.

Please join us as we come together to raise money that will help alleviate some of that suffering by increasing capacity for a stronger health system in Northern Haiti. You can start now by registering for MWWH here and by creating a Personal Campaign Page here. Through a PCP, your friends, family, and colleagues can easily donate to Konbit Sante online in your name. Those who raise the most money through PCPs will receive prizes at Maine Walks with Haiti.

For more information about Pihcintu and to watch videos of past performances, visit pihcintu.org.