KINGSTON, R.I. –February 8, 2010—The University of Rhode Island community would like to make a difference in the lives of Haitians suffering the effects of the devastating earthquake last month.
For starters, the University launched a $5 Making a Difference Campaign this week. Every URI student, faculty, and staff member is being asked to contribute $5 to help Haiti rebuild. If everyone supports the initiative, with just the small donation of $5, the University could raise as much as $100,000.
Donations will be applied directly to Haiti relief and rebuilding efforts. Donations of cash can be brought to the URI Foundation or checks made payable to the URI Foundation noting “URI Helping Haiti 5060” can be mailed to the URI Foundation, 79 Upper College Road or placed in donation boxes at various locations around campus.
Other projects, programs, and fundraising efforts are also being planned.
To help coordinate all of the efforts, a central website has been created. All updates and announcements about events, initiatives, and fundraising efforts and more can be found at http://www.uri.edu/helpinghaiti. Here are some initial happenings:
• URI Men’s Basketball Game, Feb. 20 in the Ryan Center: Student Athlete Advisory Committee members will collect donations when doors open at 3 p.m. until half time.
• Benefit Concerts:
• Feb. 24, 6 -9 p.m: “A Night for Haiti,” Memorial Union Ballroom
• Feb 26, 6 p.m. to midnight: Rhodypalooza, Memorial Union Ballroom
• Ongoing – Donation booth, Memorial Union and a variety of collection sites in buildings and departments on campus.