Important Dates

Our next meeting will be on March 25, 2010 in Mrs. Gautier's room (209) until 3:15. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Gautier or Justin Kiefer.

        On Tuesday, January 12 2010 a natural disaster hit one of the world’s most underprivileged countries.  An earthquake, measuring a 7.0 on the scale, struck Haiti at five in the afternoon.  For thirteen seconds, disaster and chaos rippled through the land.  Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was completely destroyed.  Buildings were literally in half while homes crumbled under the quake.  Many were shocked by the largest earthquake to hit the area in over 200 years.  This devastating catastrophe left hundreds of thousands of people dead in less than a minute.

        Although over 270,000 Haitians passed away, a new hope was brought to this nation.  In hours, countries from all over the world fled to Haiti to report the news and begin to help.  NBC, CNN, and FOX risked journalists to get the word out to the rest of the world, as did news stations from other countries.  They suffered numerous after shocks along with the already distraught Haitians.  Those reporters could have run away, but they stayed and told the world about the horrific earthquake.

        The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and many other organizations did everything possible to aid and support the Haitians.  The American Red Cross raised millions of dollars on a text message program alone.  This program has Americans text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate ten dollars to the Red Cross Haiti fund.  A donation of five dollars is given to Yele Haiti, by texting “YELE” to 501501.  Yele Haiti is a nonprofit organization that was founded by Haiti native Wyclef Jean.  Both donations are added to your cell phone bills.

        Countries of small and large proportions donated serious amounts of money.  From China to Canada to Greece, countries all over the world pledged to help.  In total, with organizational aid and country help, Haiti is expected to receive $2,422,202,996 in monetary aid.  If every cent is actually donated, then this amount of money will seriously change Haiti.  Roads can be rebuilt, houses and buildings constructed, and medical help can be supplied to all who need it. 

        Here at Belvidere, the students are raising awareness and money.  The Diversity Club has been asking for all kinds of donations in the lunch room.  The proceeds will be passed to the Red Cross and then on to Haiti.  This puts the new Diversity Club on the map, while also allowing Belvidere to help relief efforts in any way possible.  It is refreshing to know that as a small school, Belvidere can help as well.

        I personally think that this tragic event opened the eyes of people all over the world.  It presented the opportunity for people to come together in a united effort to help a poor and distressed country.  Disputing countries came together to provide relief.  Rival news stations stayed in the same area to report the news, without huge controversy or complaint.  It is a glimpse of hope that in the future people can forget petty differences and come together to help the truly less fortunate.  They did with Haiti, and the Haitians appreciate every minute of it.  

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