FSU Voice

Issue date: 1/27/10 Section: News

Media Credit: L'Asia Brown (From Left) Masceline Petitlubin, Sirrom Williams, Dr. Landon Hadley & Jermaine Pittman Pray

Media Credit: L'Asia Brown FSU students gather for candlelight vigil

On January 13th, about 4:00 pm locally, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the impoverished Caribbean island of Haiti causing the collapse of a hospital, a horde of stores, homes, and schools and caused widespread panic. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, which each have resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.

All across the world relief programs have been implemented. Fayetteville State University's Student Government Association arranged a candlelight vigil in support of the victims of the earthquake. Broncos are raising money and will combine the funds with proceeds raised from a Student Activities Council themed dance January 15th. The funds will be sent to the American Red Cross. The Epsilon Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Incorporated also sponsored a successful clothing and shoe drive.

As a historically black university, many FSU students feel a special kinship with the people of Haiti. "Haiti was the first slave inhabited country to gain independence," said Masceline Petitlubin, holding back tears. If you have not contributed to the cause and would like to, it is not too late. Listed are several relief programs where you can donate money. It can be as simple and easy as a text message.

The American Red Cross: www.RedCross.org, 800-435-7669, text "HAITI" to 90999; A donation of $10 will be charged on the user's cell phone bill.
U.S. World Food Program: Accepting donations for ready-to-eat meals at www.wfp.org.
International Rescue Committee: Accepting help at www.theIRC.org, (877) 733-8433 (REFUGEE).
Kroger: Boxes at checkout lanes to support the American Red Cross. Customers can donate via scans at checkout in increments of $1, $3, and $5.
Yele Haiti:www.yele.org, Text yele to 501501.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools