The start of many events designed to raise money to help the earthquake-ravaged island nation of Haiti gets underway this weekend at Colorado State University-Pueblo, said Associated Students Government President, Steve Titus.
Titus made the announcement during a Wednesday meeting in the ASG Chambers at the Occhiato University Center. There were around 20 people in attendance at the meeting to discuss what fund-raising ideas would best contribute to the worldwide relief efforts.
Titus said e-mails from students asking what CSU-Pueblo could do to help Haiti poured in following the Jan.12 earthquake, which measured 7.0 on the Richter scale.
“People brought lots of good ideas to the table for discussion,” Titus said. “As a result, we’re going to kick off some of these fundraisers here on campus starting this weekend.”
Titus said the CSU-Pueblo Automotive Booster Club plans to hold a car tune-up clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23 outside the Technology building. Titus said he encourages everyone to bring in their car and make a donation.
Also on that day, the Student Advisory Athletic Committee will hold a “Collecting Change for Haiti” fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. outside Massari Arena. Proceeds from both fundraisers will go toward the Haiti Relief Fund, Titus said.
A blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 in the OUC where Bonfils Blood Center will collect all donations for shipment to Haiti.
Titus also said campus personnel presently are assembling donation jars for distribution throughout the campus and in local businesses. Proceeds will be donated to the St. Mary Corwin Foundation and the UNICEF Foundation, he said, which in turn will go toward assisting the Haitian people.
“We hope to spread the effort and raise as much money as we can through this fundraiser,” Titus said.
Holding a golf tournament fundraiser is presently being discussed, Titus said, as is a homemade pizza sale. The ASG president said personnel are not allowed to prepare the pizza on campus because of Pueblo City/County Health Department regulations, but people might be allowed to prepare the pizza at home and sell it on campus.
Titus said he would look into the matter and hopefully have an answer by the next meeting. Donating blankets, pillows and clothing is also being considered as a possible fundraiser, he said, but that a suggestion to set up canned good collection boxes throughout the campus was axed due to inaccessibility.
“It probably would be difficult for people there (Haiti) to open cans, given their present situation,” Titus said. “I think it would be better to buy goods in bulk that can easily be prepared.”
According to Titus, Clara Long, 28, a senior majoring in outdoor leadership, has visited Haiti and has volunteered to help organize several projects. Titus said he encourages people with connections to Haiti, or who have disaster relief experience to share their insight and assist with the fundraisers.
Titus said the fundraiser suggestions have generated positive comments from the campus community. He said he hopes the discussions and efforts are only the beginning of many to follow. Titus said he welcomes all ideas because, “every idea is a good idea.”
Titus said the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28 in the ASG Chambers.
