University joins in Haiti relief effort

Members of the Shippensburg University community have joined in the relief efforts for the victims of the recent earthquakes in Haiti.

The campus community is undertaking the "Have a Heart for Haiti" campaign with the goal of raising at least $10,000 toward the humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti. The campaign, which will continue through Feb. 28, is being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Funds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders due to the urgent and continuing need for medical care in Haiti. Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization that is assisting with essential care for the earthquakes' victims. Additional information about the organization can be accessed through its Web site.

Numerous organizations and individuals on campus are participating and are being encouraged to have a fundraiser. Organizations may also contribute to any charitable group that is providing relief in Haiti.

Among the many organizations involved, the university's Department of Athletics is collecting donations at its home basketball games over the next few weeks to raise funds. The athletics department's efforts were initiated in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's league-wide effort to collect donations at men's and women's basketball contests over the coming weeks to help with the relief efforts.
Other fund-raising efforts are being planned by classes, by the Multicultural Student Association, by the Residence Hall Association, and by members of the fraternity and sorority system. Donation locations will also be established throughout campus.

APSCUF/SU is hosting “Ship Shines for Haiti,” a night of live entertainment at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for non-students. The event, produced and directed by Professor Paris Peet of the Department of Music & Theatre Arts, will feature performances by faculty and others in the campus community, preceded by a silent auction.

Additional information will be released when specific events are scheduled.

More information on the efforts is available by calling the vice president's office at 477-1308 or via e-mail by clicking here.