Haiti earthquake survivors receive a humanitarian meal distributed by the U.S. Military.

Help for Haiti

By: Aimee Morgan

Posted: 1/27/10

January 12, 2010 marked the day that millions of lives were changed. The capital city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti was struck by a massive earthquake causing catastrophic damage. People from all over the world are finding ways to aid Haiti in any way possible, including the RMU community.

RMU Cheerleaders and Band members have been collecting money at basketball games to help the effort. Randon Willard, Community and Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Office of Student Civic Engagement is hoping to put together an event in the next couple of weekends.

"There are different clubs and organizations working on different events and fundraisers. We are working with World Vision because RMU is already a partner with them," said Willard.

RMU students are thinking of different ways they can contribute.

"The situation in Haiti is absolutely a tragedy. It is heartbreaking to have to see people burying their loved ones and to see that everything has been destroyed. Everyone can do something; even if it is something as small as keeping the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. Everyone contributing something, especially as a community here at RMU can show big results," said Kady Wagner.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian charity organization dedicated to helping families and children worldwide.

"We have a relationship with World Vision. Students volunteer with them, and we are designating all of our money that we collect to go towards their efforts. They have a presence in Haiti. They are on the ground and responding to the tragedy. The student life office is stepping up and helping coordinate things," said Maureen Keefer, Assistant Dean of Students, student life.

"It is RMU's intention to get the funding now in order to get aid quickly. We are especially looking at ways to help between now and February 5," added Keefer.

On January 19, and February 2, open-mic nights to "Help Haiti" are held in the food court at 9pm so that people have an opportunity to make a donation.

"We will be holding a dance and Chinese auction to benefit World Vision's efforts in Haiti. We will have different performances throughout the night mixed with different styles of dancing. The fundraising dance will be $5 a person and all participants will be able to buy raffle tickets for the chinese auction. The dance is being sponsored by the Office of Student Civic Engagement, but they are working with the Fraternities, Sororities, Student Program Board, Student Government Association, American Humanics and the Peer Leader Program to plan this wonderful evening," said Willard.

This dance will be held in John Jay gym on February12, at 10pm. Many students are encouraged to participate, or volunteer for the event.If you are interested in participating, you can contact Randon Willard at cvsc@rmu.edu.

Organizations such as World Vision, The American Red Cross, and the Clinton Bush Haiti fund all are looking for donations and help in any way. For more information on how you can help, visit any of these organizations websites or call the RMU's Office of Student Civic Engagement at 412-397-3674.