By Daniel Borgen

Kody Leonard resists fanfare. When close friends—this humble writer among them—poured into a neighborhood bar to bid him farewell before his abrupt departure for Haiti, Leonard, with Mercy Corps since 2007, balanced modest gratitude with professionalism. His attitude: all in a day’s work.

On Friday, January 29, Leonard boarded a plane bound for Haiti, representing Mercy Corps, one of the first organizations on the ground offering assistance in earthquake-devastated areas. Part of myriad relief efforts already in place, Leonard will augment Mercy Corps’ focused approach, participating directly in implementing technology and communication support for their vital programs.

Mercy Corps deployed relief workers immediately after the 7.0 earthquake decimated Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas. Cassandra Nelson, one of Mercy Corps’ most seasoned first-responders, described the region as “the worse disaster zone I’ve seen in all my years of experiences operating in disaster and conflict areas.”

As volunteers and residents rebuild, it’s imperative to help victims live. An integral part of that process is establishing consistent communication systems for relief workers—that’s precisely where Leonard comes in. As the team addresses issues concerning food, water, and sanitation, Mercy Corps will put into place Cash-For-Work, a program paying survivors a daily wage to clear debris, clean wells, and clear agricultural land.

Thus, Mercy Corps helps pave the way to reestablish (and in many cases establish) Haiti’s most basic infrastructure. According to estimates, the program will employ over 7,000 people while helping residents earn money, jump-starting local economies. Additionally, Mercy Corps will implement Comfort for Kids, providing post-trauma support to children, many of whom have lost entire families. This effort proved successful both in post-9/11 New York City and in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans.

On the ground, Leonard will establish and implement Mercy Corps’ IT needs in Haiti, thus facilitating fast, efficient responses to residents’ needs. His arrival supports a logistics team already in place—together, the team will fine-tune Mercy Corps’ temporary setup while assessing permanent communication options.

When pressed about the impetus for agreeing to such a trip, Leonard said, “Everyone has seen the coverage and I’ve seen the (many) reports from colleagues out in the field. Victims are facing such terrible conditions, lacking the most basic needs while I am at home in Portland fussing over who has the best coffee in town.”

Leonard won’t be finished after Haiti. Following his one-month tour there, he heads for bigger, more daunting challenges in Africa. There, he’ll help improve and expand the existing IT infrastructure. In particular, Leonard will work with VSATs, satellite internet technology currently in use across Africa.

Yes, Leonard is off to do the good work. Portland’s queer community is proud and thrilled to send off one of our own. His departure leaves a glaring void—not only in our culture but in our sports community. Six years ago, Leonard started playing group tennis to rekindle a love from high school. Eventually, he joined Team Portland Tennis, the city’s burgeoning gay racquet club. (Read more on p. 22.) Since becoming involved, Leonard has directed or co-directed the past four annual Rose City Open tournaments, large events Portland hosts over Labor Day weekend.

Leonard also participated in tournaments in Seattle, Austin, Palm Springs, and Honolulu. It’s fair to say he’s helped Portland stay on the gay sports map. Recently, Leonard stepped down as president of Team Portland Tennis after serving two years. He said the program stays in capable hands—Carla Ikehara, co-director of several tournaments herself, has taken the reigns.

Tennis isn’t Leonard’s only forte—he’s played with Portland Gay Volleyball (read more on p. 23) for five years. Though, he claims, “only a participant,” Leonard remains a fixture, playing in tournaments in and outside Portland. Both sports outlets provide excellent opportunities to socialize, contribute to the community and, yes, exercise. Athletics offer freeing, welcome respites from daily grinds. And after tours in Haiti and then Africa, Leonard will undoubtedly welcome the chance to sport it up again at home. Portland will be waiting with open arms.

Learn how you can help Mercy Corps’ efforts in Haiti and Africa at mercycorps.org