WHAT: Press Conference to rally NYC to vote for “LOVE ‘N HAITI” in the BBC World Challenge ‘09 Contest – www.theworldchallenge.co.uk

WHEN: TODAY! – 12:00pm

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

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

(NYC) October 26th – On Friday October 30, 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 trash into energy.

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

New York City will host a press conference on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 12:00PM EST at TAJ (48 W. 21st St, NYC 10010). 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 on as ambassadors for LOVE ‘N HAITI.

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