Haiti: How we can help

On Feb. 26 a silent auction put on by the UCCS French Club, Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC), Colorado College (CC) and Palmer High School will be held at the Antler's Hotel Ballroom from 5 to 8 p.m. The auction will feature artwork and jewelry from students, faculty and community members, and 100 percent of the funds will go directly to relief efforts in Haiti.

Planning for the event began the day after an earthquake struck Haiti, according to Gaetan Delavignette, chair of the French Club at UCCS. "The earthquake destroyed most of the country. The news is starting to move on to different subjects, but Haiti will need help for years to come. I think that people should come to the auction to show their support even if they won't spend money."

The donations will be divided between the four schools, and each school is donating to an organization involved in relief efforts. The French Club at UCCS will give to Direct Relief International. CC and PPCC will be donating to Partners in Health, Haiti4ever and the Clinton-Bush fund, according to Delavignette.

Student Perri Rothweiler said she feels that though money is tight for most students, donating is not impossible. "When you look at the coffee shops and other places on campus, most of the stuff you buy is around $5. Make a sacrifice of one trip to the coffee shop so someone can be helped in Haiti," she said.

One World One Race, a newly formed group on campus, will be hosting an additional event for Haiti on April 3. Though the location has yet to be determined, Chair Helen Galega said, "We need to continue to create awareness. This is a problem that isn't going to go away after one event. Even though times are rough, a dollar or two can make a huge difference."

Delavignette encouraged students to spread the word. The club is also looking for student, faculty and community donations. Anyone interested may contact the French Club at frenchcb@uccs.edu.

Simple ways to donate:

Red Cross

     - text HAITI to 90999 to send a $10 donation

Yéle Haiti

     - text YELE to 501501 to send a $5 donation

United Way

     - text HAITI to 864833 to send a $5 donation

International Medical Corps

     - text HAITI to 85944 to send a $10 donation

We Are the World 25

     - text WORLD to send a $10 donation

     - download the firlm at weare25.org to donate

Join the Facebook group "UCCS Students Raising Money for Haiti" for more places to donate and to connect with other students.