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Olivier Bottrie accepts the prized national honour (Photos: Frédéric Dupoux) |
On 10 February, Olivier Bottrie, The Estée Lauder Companies’ President Travel Retail Worldwide and co-founder of Hand in Hand for Haiti, was appointed to the French National Order of Merit.
French Minister of Foreign affairs Laurent Fabius nominated Bottrie to recognise his philanthropic achievements following the earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010. Bottrie initiated and led the establishment of a non-profit free school, the Lycée Jean-Baptiste Point du Sable, which opened on 3 October 2011. Political guests and members of Haitian civil society gathered last week at a ceremony hosted by French Ambassador to Haiti, Patrick Nicoloso, to honour Bottrie.
“The Lycée Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable is an extraordinary and successful project,” said Nicoloso. “Olivier Bottrie’s energy and commitment to it are exemplary. He fully deserves the recognition of France and this is why we are proud to reward him with the National order of merit medal.”
Vanessa Matignon, Haiti Ambassador to France, added: “Today, we are more than happy to welcome and thank Olivier for his commitment to our homeland.”
Bottrie commented: “As a French citizen, I am honoured to receive this French national recognition which encourages us all to support the school’s vision. Education is the single most important determinant of an individual’s potential for growth. Our students represent the future of Haiti. I am thankful that Estée Lauder Companies has supported me from the onset.”
Here we present images from the 10 February event.
Click here for our original story on Bottrie’s nomination and comment on his achievement.
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