Concordia Journal Home > Archives > January 28, 2010 issue >

Haiti: University-wide response in support of Haiti 

Concordia’s staff, students and faculty are offering whatever resources, expertise or time they can contribute in support of the local Haitian community and the country’s rebuilding efforts.

From the first group President Judith Woodsworth addressed just days after the earthquake, many of the initiatives have been spearheaded by students themselves; the African and Carribean Students Network (ACSion), Cinema Politica and the CSU, all of whom sponsored or supported fundraising events. So far their combined efforts raised $11 000.

Dean of Students Elizabeth Morey has been coordinating campus efforts. With the help of Facilities Management she found space at H-1031-5 for Ralliement étudiant Haïti-Canada and ACSioN. IITS and the computer store have ensured that a phone line, at ext. 5127, computer equipment and internet access are available.

The Dean of Students office also has relief packages available for Haitian students with calling cards, tips, coupons and information. Meanwhile, the bookstore has ordered t-shirts for Haiti relief volunteers on campus.

Counselling and Development, Advocacy and Support Services and Multi-faith Chaplaincy are all available to assist students dealing with trauma. Advancement and Alumni Relations has offered the use of their phone banks to students trying to track down information on family members still in Haiti. Financial aid has helped access funding for student salaries and is assisting with emergency loans.

People across the university have been generous in their support. Students collecting coins for Haiti gathered $6 522 for Oxfam Quebec’s relief efforts in their first week. Donation boxes for food, clothing and other supplies have been set up around campus with the help of Facilities Management. Downtown: MB, EV, LB, VA, GM, Hall – outside H637 and on the 7th floor by the Concordia Student Union; Loyola: CJ, SP, and AD. Materials will be shipped to Haiti when distribution networks are established.

A series of bake sales have been organized in different areas. Marion Elissalde of University Communications Services issued a challenge in the wake of that department’s sale, which raised $1 800, not least because of contributions of other bakers across the university.

Among other campus-based initiatives are Harmonies for Haiti, a benefit concert at 8 p.m. on Feb. 6 in the Loyola Chapel. Meanwhile, athletic therapy students are holding the Helping Hands Fundraiser: For a $10 donation, students and staff alike can receive a relaxation massage from the athletic therapy students. Massages will be offered on Feb. 11 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Loyola in SP 165-15.

Members of the Concordia community who wish to make personal donations can get more information on the President's site.

The Canadian government has offered to match all individual donations to registered charities collecting money for Haiti relief made before Feb. 26. The provincial government has announced that they will consider receipts for charitable donations made for Haiti relief between Jan. 12 and Feb. 28 as eligible deductions for the 2009 tax year.

Keep an eye on news@concordia.ca for up-to-date information on fundraisers and services. If you would like to organize an event, the Dean of Students office can be reached at ext. 3517 (Sir George) or ext. 4239 (Loyola) or by email.