Debris lines the streets of Tacloban, Leyte island. This region was the worst affected by the typhoon, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Caritas is responding by distributing food, shelter, hygiene kits and cooking utensils. (Photo: Eoghan Rice - Trócaire / Caritas)
Debris lines the streets of Tacloban, Leyte island. This region was the worst affected by the typhoon, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Caritas is responding by distributing food, shelter, hygiene kits and cooking utensils. (Photo: Eoghan Rice - Trócaire / Caritas)
Brock students, staff and faculty have raised more than $1,800 so far to support Typhoon Haiyan relief in the Philippines.
That money comes from direct donations made online, collection containers placed in Market Hall, The Daily Grind and General Brock Store, from a variety of student-led activities, and through the Lend a Hand social media campaign led by Bawe Nsame, a second-year sports management student.
The goal is to raise $5,000 for the cause.
Fundraising challenge levels for the social media campaign have been set up on the Lend a Hand Facebook page. The hope is faculty and staff will make donations based on the number of likes the page receives; for example:
• With 500 likes, a donation of $10 per person
• With 1,000 likes, a donation of $20 per person
• With 1,250 likes, a donation of $30 per person
• With 1,500 likes, a donation of $50 per person
A trio of students has also participated in a 24-hour famine to raise money for the cause. Somdev Chaudhuri, Frances Lois Mapolon and Rose Mae Bagni took the challenge because going without food and water is a reality for many in the Philippines who have been impacted by the typhoon.
Last week, the International Students Association sold handmade parols, a traditional paper craft from the Philippines, made by volunteers.
“All of the initiatives have been student-run and student-driven,” said Kristen Smith, manager of Student and Community Outreach. “From poster-making to social media, the students have really come together to support the cause.”
A number of University departments have worked collaboratively to support the student efforts, including Brock International Services and Programs Abroad, Faith and Life Centre, Athletics, Sport Management and Student Life and Community Experience, she noted.
“It has been a very grassroots process and it has been wonderful to have the support from across campus,” Smith said.
For more information about the Brock’s fundraising for relief efforts, contact Arthur Chen at arthur.chen@brocku.ca or Kristen Smith at kristen.smith@brocku.ca.
To make a donation online, visit the Humanitarian Coalition.
