FAMU Haiti Relief program continues strong one month later

Florida A&M established a Haiti Relief program for residents affected by the island’s devastating earthquake on Jan.12, 2010. There has been much effort made by FAMU to assist Haiti during their time of misfortune and adversity.

After the quake FAMU quickly created a program to help victims in Haiti as well as students that may have been impacted. The goal of the relief program is to provide assistance to displaced Haitians, such as supplying water, food, medical assistance and supplies.

The tremor caused major damage to Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and other settlements in the region. At least 112,405 people were killed, 195,596 injured, and 800,000 to 1 million displaced according to statistics created by International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Haiti’s damages range from minor to extreme in the Port au-Prince area according to the United States Geological Survey.

Since the annihilating earthquake, FAMU has provided various items for Haiti and has dropped off two truckloads of goods and is also scheduled to drop off another truckload in the impending months. FAMU law students in Orlando have gathered various items at the Center for International Law and Justice (CFLJ) in the area and also dropped off three shipments to ‘Renaissance Air,’ relief sites according to Deana E. Lewis, program coordinator.

Hoop for Haiti, a basketball game and 5,000 strikes, a comedy show both hosted by students and organizations, which presented comedians like Bruce LaBruce, Benji Brown and Roland Powell also known as Lil Duval all performed at an event that brought out about 1,800 students and people in the Tallahassee community. Both events raised about $ 2,300 in donations for Haiti.

The FAMU Haiti Relief program also collected funds at four previous home games, which included Winston Salem State, South Carolina State, Howard and Hampton, and received more than $1,000 for the program.

FAMU also has a “Gospel Concert” scheduled for March 20, 2010, on campus at Gaither Gym, which will be hosted by Student Government Association and FAMU Senate.

Donations will be collected and directed to help support Haiti according to Henry L. Kirby, associate vice president and dean of students.

Andrew Turman, a third year business administration student from the Caribbean Islands said, “It was a tragic event that was devastating not only in the country of Haiti but it was felt all around the world but most importantly in the United States. FAMU has done an excellent job trying to establish relief efforts and also working in such a short time and with limited resources. I have donated canned foods, non-perishable food items and monetary donations, so far for Haitian victims.”

FAMU has contributed and continues to provide for Haiti and Haitian students. Saundra Inge, FAMU student activities director said, “Everything that FAMU students and staff have done is very much appreciated. FAMU is still continuing to help out victims of Haiti as much as possible.”