Brock rallies to help those devestated in Haiti

Erik Dickson
The Brock Press
January 26, 2010

media credit: bethany scholl

At times of crisis, communities naturally band together. The community of staff and students at Brock is no different.

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that has ravaged the Caribbean country of Haiti, individuals and groups from across the university are coming together to do their part.

The 7.0 magnitude quake struck hardest in Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince. It is currently estimated that at least 200,000 people were killed as a result, with hundreds of thousands more in desperate need of aid.

With money flooding in from around the world, many at Brock have given up precious time to help in what ever way they can.

John Kaethler, Director of International Services, is adamant that he is only one of at least 30 people who are heavily involved with Brock’s effort so far. Having set up a Canadian Red Cross account for Brock, he has given the university community a collective way to help.

“I lived in a place where we had earthquakes, and I know how destructive they are. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Haiti, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica,” he said. “There are human beings that are suffering.”

He also stressed that while donations are critical for the relief effort to be successful, people need to keep in mind that Haiti is a country with a unique people and culture.

From change boxes to bake sales, along with the Red Cross online portal, Kaethler hopes that everyone, including students, will find an appropriate way to contribute to the effort.

Groups around campus have helped in their own way. Kaethler mentioned many, including Brock’s Print Shop, who printed informative posters that can be seen on almost every bulletin board on campus. Students can also make direct contributions at the Campus Store, and through DCB on their student cards.

BUSU raised about $800 for the campaign through it’s Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Night, and brought in an additional $135 from a Euchre Tournament. Another $150 was raised in a Loonie Line fundraiser.

Professors Michael Bidochka, Fiona Hunter and Joffre Mercier quite literally banded together, busking in the Tower lobby, raising an impressive $468.67 over the noon hour.

In addition to these efforts, OPIRG has organized several bake sales, while other groups of students ran a bottle drive over the weekend, and more organized a silent auction for Jan. 26.

According to the Canadian Red Cross, it is important to not become short-sighted when it comes to relief efforts. Aid will be needed for weeks and months to come, as people attempt to recover from a dreadful natural disaster.

“This earthquake has robbed hundreds of thousands of people of their homes and livelihoods, in a country that is already the poorest in the Western hemisphere,” states the Red Cross Web site.

Although Brock has had very few Haitian students over the years, that hasn’t impeded the generosity. The Red Cross portal reached nearly $1,800 in the first day of the campaign, and has reached close to $4,186 since then.

“This is one of the positives, or the silver lining that you find,” said Kaethler. “When something awful like this happens, it brings out the best in people.”

To donate to the cause, visit redcross.ca/brocku or visit one of the many events happening around campus in the coming weeks. If you would like to volunteer, contact John Kaethler at jkaethler@brocku.ca.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press