UWindsor helps Haiti relief
By Stephanie Saunders
Lance Writer
February 3, 2010
 Generous donations from University of Windsor students have proved that you don’t have to be George Clooney to help Haiti. Relief efforts have taken place around campus but it hasn’t been enough according to Dane Macri, president of Speak Up and former visitor of Haiti in 2007 and 2009.
Macri hopes people will not lose sight of the country long after the buzz is gone.
“Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere...it literally looked like an earthquake happened then [2007], I can only imagine what it is like now.”
Since the quake occurred on Jan. 12, several student groups collaborated in a bake sale raising over $900. Collection bins for the Canadian Red Cross have also been made available in the UWSA office on the second floor of the CAW, and another at the information desk on the first floor until Jan. 31.
Regarding future involvement with Haiti, Macri, along with other student groups will eventually come together to raise awareness by holding a candle light vigil in remembrance. There are also dinners being organized to which the money would lend itself to a possible orphanage.
“This summer while I was in Port Au Prince...I have never seen such small, frail, malnourished and isolated children. It makes me sick and saddened to imagine how these children are now.”
Everyone is encouraged to donate as much as possible given the Canadian government will match whatever the University of Windsor collects up to $50 million.
“There is a Haitian saying, 'deye mon gen mon,' meaning beyond every mountain there is another. I believe we can work together in solidarity to remove some of these mountains,” said Macri.
Faculty of arts and social science representative Chris Connell believes Haiti has forever been a country whose history and trials people are unaware of.
“Between slavery and being one of the poorest countries in the world, this earthquake almost seems cruel.”
Connell was deeply moved by the story of a young Haitian girl stuck amongst rubble, rescued but later died from her injuries.
According to Connell there have been many people passionate about this issue and touched by the many devastating stories. He believes there are a lot people who want to help but don’t know where to begin.
Connell encourages anyone to attend the council meetings on Feb. 4 and March 4 at 4 p.m. to voice their opinion and what they think should be done about raising money for Haiti.
If you would like to formally organize a Haiti relief group please contact Chris Connell at connellc@uwindsor.ca or visit the UWSA office in the CAW Student Centre.
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