Students at the University of Northern British Columbia are organizing a day of fundraising and awareness-raising for victims of the Haitian earthquake. “UNBC Stands Up for Haiti: A Day of Fundraising and Awareness” will be held at UNBC’s Prince George campus on February 24, and feature a variety of fundraising events as well as presentations from University president George Iwama, International Studies professor Heather Smith, and Becky Row from the Canadian Red Cross. All of the proceeds collected will go to the Canadian Red Cross’s relief efforts in Haiti.

“A group of concerned students at UNBC got together shortly after the earthquake, and quickly decided we needed to mobilize a student-organized response to express our sadness for what had befallen the Haitian people, and do our best to send as much aid as we possibly can,”  says NUGSS Vice-President of Student Affairs Kaleigh Milinazzo, who will become president on April 1.  “UNBC president George Iwama has been outspoken in his support for this cause, and we are looking forward to his presentation as well as those of the other speakers.”

Fundraising events hosted by UNBC’s student clubs will be held from 10:30am until 2:30pm in the Winter Garden, and will be followed by a Speaker’s Forum from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. The NUGSS Board of Directors will have a dunk tank set up in the NUSC Event Space from 12pm to 2-30 where students can pay a small amount to dunk them.

"Our needs in Haiti remain immense," says Becky Row, Regional Operations Manager for the Canadian Red Cross in Northern BC. "The Red Cross continues to provide medical support, shelter, clean water, food, supplies and — most importantly — hope to those affected by the Haiti Earthquake. Funds raised will also support Red Cross projects to help affected communities recover and rebuild in the years to come. Thanks to the students, staff, and faculty of UNBC for their support and generosity."

Members of the public are encouraged to attend.