LPCI’s Launches Heart for Haiti Fundraiser        

by david schnitman

On January 18th, the Lawrence Park community launched the "Heart for Haiti" fundraiser in an effort to raise money for victims of the catastrophic earthquake.

LPCI, Toronto, ON - The Heart for Haiti fundraiser is an ongoing charity effort organized by staff and students of LPCI in order to meet a pressing need to provide basic necessities of life while aiding rescue efforts in the devastated city of Port-au-Prince. The program's goal of $10,000 will be met if each student and staff member contributes $10 through their homeform classes which in turn will be donated to the Red Cross and World Vision. Moreover, the Canadian government will match LPCI’s contributions dollar for dollar, effectively raising $20,000 for aid relief if all students make a donation.

Over the course of the week, there has been significant participation on the part of the Lawrence Park community. It is palpable that each individual within the school was greatly moved by the recent tragedy and in turn, eager to be involved with the relief effort, have donated generously to this worthy cause. With more donations coming in every day, this event has brought the school together by allowing LPCI to extend a helping hand outside the four walls of the classroom. There is a sense of unity and purpose that can be felt around the school. 

"I am very pleased to see the school coming together to support a greater cause. I am inspired by their generosity. I hope this event will encourage young people to become global citizens." remarked Mr. Tomlinson, coordinator of “Heart for Haiti". 

Lawrence Park will continue its contribution to Haiti relief in the coming weeks as the visual art council will be creating a mural allowing student to purchase handprints. "I would love to have everyone of the student body and staff members leave a mark on the mural as a symbol of their donation. This mural will show that we care about Haiti relief all the while demonstrating that art can really connect the whole school to a single goal." added Donna Borooah, co-head of the visual arts council. 

Meanwhile the republic of Haiti continues to face the realities of scarce supplies and total devastation that has affected millions. The earthquake has destroyed many public buildings including the Port-au-Prince cathedral and the presidential palace..  Throughout the week, Haiti was hit with more than 45 aftershocks including this past Wednesday’s 5.9 magnitude quake.

In response the international community along with Canada has been raising millions of dollars, providing resources and assessing the damage while trying to provide immediate relief. Millions of dollars raised by citizens around the world is due in part to $5 dollar text message donations to organizations such as the Red Cross, Unicef and World Vision. In addition, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appeared on CBC Radio 2 to raise money during a 3 hour radio-thon. In total, Canadians have responded generously by donating in excess of $25 million to aid relief.

It is heart-warming to see the LPCI community coming together in an hour of need. The staff and students are hopeful that their efforts will make even the smallest difference in the lives of the earthquake survivors.