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`Ever since the earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, campus organizations have been making efforts to help the victims rebuild their lives. It has been over a month since the disaster occurred, but Haiti still needs aid. As the topic begins to slip out of the media, it is important to keep in mind that it is only the beginning of a long rebuilding process.
Continuing to support the Haiti relief was the main focus of the “Rally 4 Haiti Relief Project,” which was held in the SMC-MPR on Feb. 16. Although the turnout was small, it did not lessen the impact of the event. The rally humanized the disaster by showing the Haitian culture.
The event welcomed Candy Hozza, the community development coordinator who presented the video “Frank McKinney’s Extreme Birthday Experience,” which was of her visit to Haiti in 2008, when she participated in the Caring House Foundation Project, building houses with her friend Frank McKinney. “It costs $500 American dollars for a house,” she said.
The video shed a glimpse of the spirited Haitian culture. Men and women were playing music, dancing, and celebrating. To thank the volunteers, the Haitians found instruments and learned the American National Anthem, and performed it.
“One of the things that everyone should know, is that the Haitians are unbelievable people, even when they are in need they tried to give,” Hozza said. She was able to experience the Hispanic tradition of blessing during her visit to a home for orphans and the elderly. Whenever the children left their home, their grandmothers would bless them; the children blessed Hozza and the rest of the volunteers to show their appreciation, “We have a lot in this country, but they have the spirit,” Hozza said.
A panel was held during the event with two faculty members: Audrey Lilley from Volunteer Central, and Hozza, as well as two students, Immanuel Jean Phillipe, and Mackenzie Vernat. Sepideh Yalda, Professor of Meteorology and Interim Director Center of Disaster Relief Research and Education, moderated the discussion.
Each person took turns sharing their story of how they are participating in the Haiti Relief Project. Vernat, only moved from Haiti to America six years ago, shared his story of how the earthquake has affected him, and how he is trying to help his family and native country from the U.S.
“After this happened my mom was crying, and we didn’t know what to do,” he said. His cousin, sister, nieces and nephew were in his Haitian home when the earthquake hit and the house collapsed, which left them with a few injuries and without a home.
“There are so many diseases spreading around Haiti right now because there are dead bodies everywhere,” Vernat said. Continuing to send medical supplies, he believed should be a long term form of support. He also would like to do his part in continuing to raise money.
“I am here doing the best I can to help…we need it right now,” he said. Vernat and Phillipe as well as their brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first black fraternity, have worked together to raise roughly $1600 for the cause.
Phillipe was also born in Haiti, but left when he was three years old. It was difficult for him to talk about the earthquake, because he had lost family members. Phillipe’s family is from Port-au-Prince, located a few blocks from the President’s Palace, which is now destroyed. His grandmother was injured during the earthquake, and his aunt lost her parents.
Phillipe showed his gratitude for all who have helped support the Haiti relief, “Things are changing slowly, people are putting their heads together to help us out, and I appreciate it,” he said. Phillipe would like to see the support continue, “We can collect money, clothes and donations and try to partner with trusted organizations to collect money,” he advised.
Millersville University is working hard to aid the victims; Lilley mentioned during the panel that there is a long list of volunteers wanting to help, “I am really encouraging of students who want to get involved with this program,” Lilley said.
Special acknowledgements went out to The Slip and Score Society, who attended the event, as well as The Visual Communication and Graphic Design II class, instructed by James Pannafino, and Diane Fleishman, Director for the Office of Internships and Civic Engagement Service. Slip and Score sold donated ceramic pots made by current students and alumni during the event. All of the profits went to the Haiti Relief Project. The club raised $425 for the fund.
The students of the Graphic Design II Class designed a 10×10 composition as part of a service learning class. The posters were meant to create awareness for Haiti earthquake relief. The students picked a charity or nonprofit organization a communicated their message through the use of type and image.
Fleishman and the Office of Internships and Civic Engagement have been acting as a central coordinating site, working with student affairs and faculty to coordinate the relief effort. “The need for the Haiti relief was needed before…it is a decade long effort. We do not want students and faculty to forget about it when it is off the news,” Fleishman said.
Donations for the Haiti Relief fund are still being accepted. Visit “Haiti Response” at www.millersville.edu or e-mail Volunteer.Central@millersville.edu for a complete list of items needed. Be on the lookout for donation boxes, which will be shipped directly to Haiti through the United Nations.