The Haiti Relief Fund committee, headed by Center for Civic Engagement Fellow Brian Schlemmer, regularly meets to plan fundraising efforts.
Drew’s Haiti Relief Fund, launched by concerned Drew students, faculty and staff, has raised $1,200 in the last month through fundraising at campus events, including a lecture program on Haiti, a Back to Classes Jam, a Pub Night and a Super Bowl Party for Haiti. All funds raised this semester will go to the following organizations to assist in their earthquake relief projects:
- Shalom Zone Haiti is a partnership between Communities of Shalom, located here at Drew, and Haitian Artisans for Peace International, which trains Haitian artists in sustainable business.
- Partners in Development strives to help the extreme poor attain independence. They are currently working to supply food, water and medical supplies to earthquake survivors.
- The Lambi Fund’s mission is to assist democracy in Haiti and channels financial aid and other resources to community organizations that promote the empowerment of the Haitian people.
- Partners in Health is currently working to coordinate surgical teams as well as other medical services.
- MADRE is working with Haitian social justice organizations to bring humanitarian aid into the country and create long-term solutions to problems facing women.
- United Methodist Committee on Relief provides practical support to the most vulnerable survivors of emergencies due to natural or civil disasters.
Haiti Relief Fund volunteers start work on collection baskets for toiletries to send to Haiti.
The Haiti Relief Fund has much more coming this spring, including another Pub Night for Haiti, the Arts of Respect competition and a health-kit building project. If you or your group are interested in getting involved with the Haiti Relief Fund, email the Center for Civic Engagement at engage@drew.edu or visit the center’s website for more information.–Samantha Pritchard C’10, intern, Drew Magazine