To date, Hearts for Haiti, Buffalo State’s student outreach initiative for those affected by the 2010 earthquake, has raised over $5,000.

All monies raised were put into the Haiti Relief Fund. The donations are now being distributed to the Children of Haiti Project (COHP), a coalition of international schools and education agencies providing facilities, nourishment, and basic medical necessities to children in this ravaged area.

Carolyn Brunner, director of International Graduate Programs for Educators, is a member of COHP’s executive committee and facilitated Buffalo State’s affiliation with the agency. 

In February, representatives from Buffalo State’s Athletics, Campus Life, International Student Affairs, Student Life, and United Students Government (USG) organized the Haiti Relief Committee to centralize campus relief efforts.

Gathering under the theme "Hearts for Haiti,” a series of fundraisers, raffles, and awareness sessions were quickly scheduled. In addition to events, student efforts took on different forms—USG collected funds by selling blue and red ribbons, while fine arts students sponsored an iron tile making workshop.  

Jean Gounard, director of International Student Affairs and chairman of the college’s Haiti Relief Committee, coordinated two successful fundraisers that generated more than $2,000. Gounard expressed his sympathies for those in need and gratitude for those who stepped forward to help.

Related:
Posted February 8, 2010: Alumnus, Medical Resident Returns from Haiti

Podcast: Haiti Teach-In, The Culture of Haiti

Podcast: Haiti Teach-In: Understanding Haiti