Aid efforts for Haiti continue
Erik Dickson
Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: News
|
With aid efforts in Haiti shifting to treating those who are sick, injured and homeless, the Brock community continues to do its part to help.
Over the past three weeks, groups from across the university have taken part in various fundraising events including bake sales, a bottle drive and an art exhibit.
Since the relief efforts began, Brock has raised over $15,000 - which will be matched by the federal government - and donations are still pouring in.
On Feb. 3, the Office of International Services held a samosa sale, raising approximately $1,000. On the same day, Community Connections coordinated "Dine Out for Haiti", in which 10 per cent of the proceeds from all meals at Boston Pizza were contributed to the Red Cross. This event raised $165.00.
Tables were set up for donations at the Badgers' men's and women's basketball games on Feb. 3, bringing in another $75, while at least $600 was brought in by donation boxes at the Avondale in East Academic.
In addition to the efforts spearheaded by the International Services office, some students recently added a personal touch to the fundraising effort. Visual Arts students Joy Liu and Grace Zhao created a collection of original art pieces that they hope will bring in some much-needed money for Haiti.
"Since art is what we are studying, […] we want to use it to help others," said Liu, a third year student who is originally from China. "We wanted to help people in Haiti because we shouldn't just be ignorant. We would help others in need."
With "hope" as the theme for the pieces, both Liu and Zhao would like to see them sell for around $20 each, with proceeds going to the Red Cross. The collection is on display in the Glenridge Building until Saturday, Feb. 13.
With a commitment from the Canadian government that all individual donations will be matched, it appears that the Brock community will have generated at least $30,000 in aid for Haiti.
This eclipses the $25,000 that Brock raised in the wake of the 2005 tsunami that devastated Indonesia and Thailand.
Whether it was donations from students' DCB cards, OPIRG bake sales, a silent auction or a euchre tournament, individuals and groups from across campus have worked together in hopes of making a difference.
To donate to the cause, visit redcross.ca/brocku. For more information, visit the "Brock United 4 Haiti" Facebook group.
Haiti Fundraising
The Joy and Hope of Haiti
Presented by Mr. James Turnbull
Thursday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. - TH 256
Coffee House
A $2 donation is suggested
Saturday, Feb. 13 - Captian John's Lounge, Decew Residence
Niagara Plays for Haiti
When: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Red Hot Chili Pepper, 1 St. Paul Street
Tickets are $5, and the event will feature at least 15 acts. Organized by Gonz Productions, Free The Children Brock Chapter, Solidarity Experiences Abroad.
Be the first to comment on this story