Heroes for Haiti

Last month, a massive earthquake in Haiti rendered millions of adults, families, and children homeless and without the bare necessities. People around the world have rallied to contribute time, effort and money to assist in the recovery.

At St. Martin de Porres High School in Airdrie, concerned teachers and students have established the Heroes for Haiti fundraiser. With a goal of raising $10,000 by the end of the month, the school has sent out a challenge to all schools in Airdrie and the Calgary area to either match or beat their donation amount.

So far, Bishop O' Byrne High School in Calgary has contacted the school and has informed them that they have raised $2,000, with more money on the way. St. Gabriel the Archangel in Chestermere has also expressed interest in helping to raise money for the earthquake relief.

Meanwhile, at St. Martin de Porres, teachers and students are raising money to reach their goal through various fundraisers. The main fundraiser will be the 24 Hour Famine, to be held on February 26th. Each student who wishes to participate must raise $200 in sponsorship money for Heroes for Haiti. Minor money raising events have also been scheduled for those who are not able to participate in the main event. One teacher who has been vital to the development of the school’s fundraisers, Robert Braile, is selling Heroes for Haiti pins and buttons, as well as t-shirts with the phrase "Heroes for Haiti" printed on the back.

Being a Catholic school, St. Martin de Porres has taken into account that Pope Benedict XVI has called for international generosity and solidarity towards the people in Haiti who are suffering and need help. He has given his assurance that the Catholic Church will provide immediate and urgent assistance. For this reason, St. Martin de Porres has decided to donate all profits generated from the events to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, an organization which has been contributing funds to emergency Haiti relief.

There is so much we can do to help these suffering people in Haiti. Just like the people at St. Martin de Porres, we each need to play our part and be part of the solution.