Update on La Salle University’s efforts to support Haiti

The first donation of more than $800 is on its way to Catholic Relief Services (CRS). It is our plan, from this point on, to send whatever is collected on a weekly schedule. Faculty, staff, and students who want to donate can either write a check to La Salle University, noting Haiti in the memo line, or to CRS. Any checks written to CRS will be sent weekly with the University’s check.

As groups on campus plan fundraisers and events, they should share information about them with University Ministry and Service (UMAS) so that efforts are coordinated. Also, remember that what Haiti needs most now is our prayers and support. The people on the ground are consistently telling us that the best way to support Haiti at the moment is with monetary donations.

The following is a list of fundraising and educational events:

FUNDRAISING

The Community Development staff of Teresa Court, La Salle Apartments, and San Miguel Townhouses posted door hangs with information on how to donate.

The La Salle Step Team is collecting supplies (as part of a national effort) and money.

Delta Phi Epsilon has collected supplies as part of a larger project.

Students from the Marketing Department will be selling wristbands as a fundraiser

Peer Ministers will conduct a Food Fast Retreat. Students will ask friends to sponsor them during the time of the fast. During the fast, students will be involved in educational programs about Haiti and reflections on how the earthquake affects them.

Several other groups are in the planning stages for their fundraisers

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Several groups are in the process of planning a candlelight prayer vigil to honor the one-month anniversary of the earthquake on Feb. 9.

The 1 p.m. Mass on Thursday, Feb. 12 (the one-month anniversary), will be in remembrance of all those who died in Haiti.

The Resident Student Association is planning to invite some Haitian speakers to campus to help the community understand the effects and the long-term implications of the earthquake for Haiti.

A Web site is in development. On the site, there will be resources, several PowerPoints, and other information for the use of the community. If individuals have resources that they think would be of interest to the broader University community, they should send them to umas@lasalle.edu, and they will be added to the Web site.

A calendar is also being developed. Remember that Haiti will need our help over the long haul. The calendar will help to coordinate fundraising activities and other events over the rest of the semester.  

Thank you for your continued interest in and support for this worthy cause.

Br. Robert Kinzler, F.S.C.
Director, University Ministry and Service