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By EMILY YATES Staff Writer  A young boy in Haiti gets his head wounds attended to after the earthquake that struck the area Jan. 12. A 6.0 aftershock hit the already devasted country early in the morning of Jan. 20. Submitted photo It is estimated that the quake has affected approximately three million people. Thousands are dead, and thousands are still trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Approximately 200,000 people are left homeless, wandering the streets in the hopes of finding food or drinking water. In the wake of past natural disasters, Niagara College has taken on the task of trying to think of fundraisers. Through the help of the International Club, parties have been held throughout the years to help raise funds. The Asian New Year event is held for student scholarships and has gone to student relief. After the tsunamis in Sri Lanka in December 2004, Niagara College did fundraising and put together a relief team of seven students to go to Sri Lanka. Through the help of the International Club in partnership with Business Administration student Amy Cain, there is now a table at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus where students can donate. Sean Coote, director of international services and recruitment, says that in times of need, those at Niagara College try to "connect and support" in any way we can. He is also directing those at Niagara who wish to donate to the Red Cross. "They have the experience. The call for support will come out. It's all pure survival mode right now." For every dollar donated to Haiti, the Canadian government will match it. In the meantime, Coote says, "The call will come for things individuals can help with."
HOW TO DONATE PLAN The Plan organization has been working in Haiti since 1973 and is one of the nation's largest aid organizations. It has set up multiple options on its website for those who wish to contribute to the relief fund. There is also a texting option, in which you can text HAITI to 30333 and send $5 instantly. To donate to Haiti via the Plan organization, call 1-800-387-1418 or 416-920-1654. Visit the website at www.plancanada.ca. UNICEF Unicef has been working in Haiti since 1949 alongside the Haitian government in order to institute long-term resolutions to issues in Haiti, such as education, health care and sanitary services. Donations to Haiti will go to ever-more-urgent needs, including safe drinking water, temporary shelter systems and medical supplies, among many other things. To donate to UNICEF, visit www.unicef.ca or call 1-877-955-3111. RED CROSS According to the Red Cross website, since the earthquake hit Haiti, more than 400 international Red Cross workers have reached Haiti, 12 of whom are trained emergency response workers. Seventy tonnes of food, medical supplies and water have reached Haiti since the Red Cross workers have arrived, and more help is arriving daily. To donate to the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.ca. SHOPPERS To donate your Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum points to the Yéle Haiti Earthquake Alliance, go to www.shoppersdrugmart.ca. |
