Sinclair Community College began its plan to support the rebuilding of Haiti in any way it can on Jan. 26.
Sinclair’s Haiti Disaster Response Team discussed several different venues and resources to aid Haiti after a series of catastrophic earthquakes hit the island country on Jan. 12.
Sinclair’s Director of College Relations Natasha Baker led the seven-member committee as they discussed fundraising, donating school supplies and organizing educational opportunities for Sinclair students.
“It’s not just about sending money down there,” Baker said. “It’s about making it a good educational and cultural experience for students, which is really what we are here to do.”
Sinclair President and CEO Steven Johnson said it’s difficult to concentrate on an exact procedure that the college can take at this point in the relief efforts.
“We need to see how this situation unfolds,” Johnson said. “As the weeks and months unfold, it will become clear to us how we can best help.
“We want to do what’s helpful.”
Stewardship and Annual Gifts Officer Sharon Smith attended the meeting and said staff and faculty have raised more than $800 for the Haiti fund. Smith said all proceeds that Sinclair collects will be forwarded directly to the American Red Cross.
“As a whole, I think Sinclair could make a huge difference and impact on the Haiti relief efforts,” she said. “Getting as many people who can get involved from Sinclair would be wonderful.”
Smith said students can donate money by stopping by the Foundation’s Office in Building 12 Room 201. With more than 25,000 students enrolled at Sinclair, Smith believes students have a chance to make a large impact during Haiti’s time of need.
“Having 25,000 people assist rather than 2,400 assist can be a significant improvement,” Smith said.
Though she wasn’t at Sinclair when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, Baker said Sinclair jumped at the chance to lend a hand. Baker also said when the timing is figured out, Sinclair plans to send staff members to Haiti.
“Once (Haiti) becomes safe and there is an opportunity to do so,” Baker said, “I don’t know if we’ll be able to keep them from doing it.”
Johnson said it’s important for students to stay involved in a project of this importance.
“We know our students feel the same way,” he said.
Baker said the Response Team is looking for as much student involvement as possible. If students are interested in attending the next Haiti Disaster Response Team meeting, contact natasha.baker@sinclair.edu.