Earthquake in Haiti hits home
Heather Lowery
Issue date: 1/27/10 Section: News
Raising awareness is one of the most important things to do at this time, said Faugue.
"I ask for anyone to donate. Anything that anyone can do will help a lot," Faugue expressed.
Vladimir St. Surin, a Haitian graduate from Robert Morris University and director of student life at the Community College of Allegeny County (CCAC), knows the familiar feeling of loss that the earthquake has created in the lives of so many people.
"The earthquake affected my great aunt, she passed away," he stated.
St. Surin remains positive about his situation, though.
"For one person to die out of so many people is good. Don't get me wrong, it's still sad, I'm still sad," he said.
St. Surin has received news about his family being safe and in good condition.
"I've heard from my family, and all is well for them in Haiti, concerning death and injury," said St. Surin.
The earthquake has sparked many people to become active in aiding those suffering in Haiti. St. Surin is putting together a basketball tournament to raise funds.
"I'm doing a basketball tournament at CCAC on Feb. 20-21. It's a two-day tournament and ten schools have been invited, including RMU, Point Park, and Pitt [the University of Pittsburgh]," explained St. Surin. "It's called 'Hoops for Haiti' and all of the proceeds are going to the Red Cross."
He has also been recruited by locals at the Children's Hospital to help aid the orphans in making an easier transition into the United States.
"I was appointed as a translator for the orphans that came to Pittsburgh. I haven't been needed yet, but they are at the Children's Hospital now and I am willing to help whenever they need me. They're [the orphans] doing good as of yet," explained St. Surin.
The disaster has caused St. Surin to reflect on what is important, and for him that brings back the culture of Haiti.
"When we meet someone from Haiti in the U.S. it's exciting. It's culture shock to come here from Haiti. When we see another Haitian, we stick together, that's the way it is, that's our culture. We are very close and we work together. We are going to continue working together during this time of need," St. Surin expressed.
Robert Morris has been raising funds to send to Haiti as well, and students, who are part of the military, are preparing to leave the United States in hopes of further helping the Haitian people.
"Some of our students who are members of the military reserves are preparing to be deployed to Haiti. We commend them for their service and look forward to their safe return," expressed Dell'Omo
Students looking to donate to Haiti should text "YELE" to 501501 for a $5 donation, or text "HAITI" to 90999 to contribute a $10 donation to the Red Cross. Every dollar counts.
"I ask for anyone to donate. Anything that anyone can do will help a lot," Faugue expressed.
Vladimir St. Surin, a Haitian graduate from Robert Morris University and director of student life at the Community College of Allegeny County (CCAC), knows the familiar feeling of loss that the earthquake has created in the lives of so many people.
"The earthquake affected my great aunt, she passed away," he stated.
St. Surin remains positive about his situation, though.
"For one person to die out of so many people is good. Don't get me wrong, it's still sad, I'm still sad," he said.
St. Surin has received news about his family being safe and in good condition.
"I've heard from my family, and all is well for them in Haiti, concerning death and injury," said St. Surin.
The earthquake has sparked many people to become active in aiding those suffering in Haiti. St. Surin is putting together a basketball tournament to raise funds.
"I'm doing a basketball tournament at CCAC on Feb. 20-21. It's a two-day tournament and ten schools have been invited, including RMU, Point Park, and Pitt [the University of Pittsburgh]," explained St. Surin. "It's called 'Hoops for Haiti' and all of the proceeds are going to the Red Cross."
He has also been recruited by locals at the Children's Hospital to help aid the orphans in making an easier transition into the United States.
"I was appointed as a translator for the orphans that came to Pittsburgh. I haven't been needed yet, but they are at the Children's Hospital now and I am willing to help whenever they need me. They're [the orphans] doing good as of yet," explained St. Surin.
The disaster has caused St. Surin to reflect on what is important, and for him that brings back the culture of Haiti.
"When we meet someone from Haiti in the U.S. it's exciting. It's culture shock to come here from Haiti. When we see another Haitian, we stick together, that's the way it is, that's our culture. We are very close and we work together. We are going to continue working together during this time of need," St. Surin expressed.
Robert Morris has been raising funds to send to Haiti as well, and students, who are part of the military, are preparing to leave the United States in hopes of further helping the Haitian people.
"Some of our students who are members of the military reserves are preparing to be deployed to Haiti. We commend them for their service and look forward to their safe return," expressed Dell'Omo
Students looking to donate to Haiti should text "YELE" to 501501 for a $5 donation, or text "HAITI" to 90999 to contribute a $10 donation to the Red Cross. Every dollar counts.
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