Holy Cross Raises $18,800 for Haiti Relief

Immediately upon returning from winter vacation in mid-January, students at Holy Cross mobilized expansive efforts to raise money for Haiti relief. Through Feb. 12, students raised $9,400. Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president of the College, matched that amount, bringing the total contribution to $18,800.

The SGA Co-Presidential Task Force for Haiti Relief, instituted by the Student Government Association, helped coordinate efforts. Chaired by Andrea Pascual ’10, of Fort Myers, Fla., and Melissa Nelson ’10, of Randolph, Mass., the task force planned numerous events to raise money for two organizations: Yéle Haiti and International Action. Click here for a complete list of events and other efforts and resources related to Haiti relief.

“Melissa and I were both emotionally affected by the events in Haiti, and were driven to take immediate action,” says Pascual. “We both knew that the Holy Cross community could make a big difference. The support displayed by students, faculty and alumni of this College is a true testament of our mission of being ‘men and women for others.’ I am so proud to be part of a school that is passionate about their dedication to service.”

Nelson, who has many family members living in Haiti, says that the task force is currently developing long-term strategies to aid the three million people affected by Haiti’s devastating earthquake. Among them are food and clothing drives, and a petition drive organized by the Holy Cross chapter of Oxfam urging foreign ministers to cancel Haiti’s international debt to the International Monetary Fund. A panel discussion with faculty and students is also being planned.

In addition to student-organized efforts, the Chaplains’ Office designated collections for Jesuit Refugee Services at several Masses and services, including the Mass on Jan. 25 which was celebrated by Cardinal Seán O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston. The emergency effort provides lifesaving, aid, food and other urgently needed items to the Haitian people.

February 17, 2010|nm