Looters fight for food in a street of the capital. US military leaders are preparing to pour troops into the country.
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The news of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti has hit close to home for many of us in the TDSB community. As aid organizations work to determine the extent of damage in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area, we recognize that the whereabouts of family, friends and relatives of many in our city and schools are still unknown.
Our sincere thoughts and hope go out to those directly affected by this tragedy and who anxiously await word from loved ones. As classmates, co-workers and friends, we share in your grief as we hear more and more details of the devastation.
Thus far, Canadian news agencies are reporting an estimated 3 million people have been immediately affected by the earthquake and thousands are feared dead. Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected area can contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at 1-800-387-3124.
If you would like to help aid in the relief process, the TDSB is actively supporting the Canadian Red Cross and Free the Children.
The TDSB will be accepting donations on behalf of the two charities at each of its more than 590 schools and administrative centres for the relief efforts. As well, all schools and board sites will be lowering flags from Jan. 18 to 22 and observing a moment of silence on Jan. 18.Donations made to the Canadian Red Cross and Free The Children will be used to support the enormous humanitarian efforts in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and surrounding areas. Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will supply survivors with urgently needed food, shelter, water, and medical supplies. Donations made to Free The Children will allow the organization to oversee the distribution of medical supplies, emergency relief support and begin planning for long-term programs that will ensure children return to school as soon as possible.
"Many of our students and staff have family and friends who live in the devastated area," said Bruce Davis, Chair of the TDSB. "As a result, this loss is a personal one for all of us at the TDSB.”
“We are all one race – that is the human race. So I am asking our TDSB community to pull together to support the aid and recovery effort in any way you can. No donation is too small," said Chris Spence, Director of Education.
Students, staff and members of the public are invited to make a financial donation at any TDSB school during operating hours.
Please note that there is a special assembly to educate the students and staff about why it is so important to donate for the releif effort in Haiti, and exactly where your money goes. This assembly will be held in place of the clinic period on Friday January 22nd. Make sure that you attend it because it is truly for a good cause, and it shows how much you support the relief effort. Don' t forget that our school has a goal of donating $10, 000 and we are not even close! So show your support for those less fortunate than us by donating at least $5 and be sure to attend the assembly!
By:TDSB
