The tragedy in Haiti last week hit close to home for North Perth as residents reacted to news of local students in the area.
On Jan. 12, Haiti was struck by a 7.0 earthquake that devastated the region of Port-au-Prince, affecting more than 1,400 Canadians that were living there. Three of those Canadians are local high school students, said LDSS principal Diane Homewood. According to Homewood, the students (who couldn’t be identified under the school’s privacy rules) arrived at Port-au-Prince two hours before the quake and felt the tremors but were not at the epicentre of the damage. Homewood said the students had gone to Haiti on a building project, but the disaster has changed that plan significantly.
“They had originally gone to build a house, but they’re now helping with the rescue mission and a first aid station,” Homewood said.
Contact with the students is limited, with e-mails being relayed from the students to their parents to keep them updated on their safety. Homewood said there has been no official announcement made at the high school, but word of mouth among the students is moving quickly.
“We’re all pretty anxious about this,” she said.
The students at LDSS have already responded to the disaster in Haiti, forming a donation collection for immediate relief, as well as another project called Tom’s Shoes that is expected to provide long-term assistance. Other schools have leapt into action and started their own relief efforts, including Wallace Public School where Grade 8 students Kate Ash and Adrienne Ellis have organized a change drive to go toward the Canadian Red Cross. Ash said she got the idea from her mother, and both felt it was a worthy cause.
“There’s a lot of countries less fortunate than us,” Ellis said. “We take  a lot for granted and those that need help need to be noticed.”
People wishing to make a donation of their own can do so through the Salvation Army at 1-800-725-2769 or their website www.salvationarmy.ca. Donors should specify their gift to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund. ?The Salvation Army has also activated its “Text to Donate” program in support of the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund. Canadians can make a $5 donation to The Salvation Army’s efforts in Haiti by texting the word “Haiti” to 45678 from any Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility phone. Donors will then receive a message asking them to confirm their donation with a “yes” reply.