Tantramar doing its part to help nation struck by devastating earthquake

Residents throughout Tantramar are opening their hearts and their wallets to help out a nation that's been devastated by a massive earthquake.

People young and old are responding generously to the Haiti relief efforts, as they attempt to do what they can to help the hundreds of thousands of Haitian people who've been affected by the 7.0 magnitude quake that struck the poverty-stricken country more than two weeks ago.

Thousands of dollars have already been raised in the region, with many more fundraisers to come, thanks to the help of local schools, organizations and businesses. All the money raised, up until Feb. 12, will be matched by the federal government.

Cathy Keeling, owner of Bridge Street CafÉ in downtown Sackville, said her staff is collecting pennies for the Haiti relief fund and the employees have started the fundraising campaign off by donating their pennies from their daily tips. Keeling says she's proud of their efforts and they've already raised a few hundred dollars through the initiative.

"I have such a great bunch of people working here," she says.

Local school students and staff members are also doing their part for the global aid campaign.

Salem Elementary, Dorchester Consolidated, Port Elgin Regional, Marshview Middle and Tantramar Regional High Schools participated last week in the district-wide '5 for Haiti' initiative, which invited all staff and students to donate $5 throughout five days.

At DCS, staff members Barbi Kaye and Kim Crossman cooked up a feast on Friday for an employee luncheon with a donation going towards Haiti relief. Students also sold popsicles and 'get-out-of-detention' cards, raising more than $300.

Marshview hosted a variety of activities every day last week, including a carnival on Friday afternoon organized by the Grade 6 classes.

Salem exceeded their initial goal of $1,500, raising more than $2,000. Three siblings of one family at the school emptied their piggy banks and rolled their change, bringing in more than $18. Another student in Grade 2 donated $10 from her birthday money, even after her mom gave her the first $5. Even retired teachers and administrators visited the school to donate.

Mount Allison university students are also helping out in a variety of ways on and off campus.

Members of Mount A's World University Service of Canada (WUSC) will be hosting a night of art, music, food and drinks this weekend, with the proceeds going to the Haiti disaster relief fund.

Erika Young, one of the organizers of the annual Altruistic Art Auction, said WUSC holds this event every year, raising funds for various organizations.

"This year, organizers thought that those in Haiti needed our donation the most and with the Canadian government matching donations, it will allow them to double their donation," says Young.

The silent auction event will be held at START Gallery (a student-run gallery located inside Struts on Lorne Street) this Saturday, Jan. 30 from 8-10 p.m.

"So come out, buy a piece of art, enjoy some music, food and drinks and show your support for those in Haiti."

The WUSC is accepting art donations for the event. To donate a piece of artwork (of any media), drop it off at Mount A's International Centre on the second floor of the McCain student centre between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The local Beavers, Cubs and Scout groups are also contributing, by donating one week's dues in support of the relief efforts. The funds will be forwarded directly to the Canadian Red Cross' Haiti Earthquake Fund.

Sackville's Rotary Club has also pitched in, recently contributing $1,000 for a ShelterBox, an initiative that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by global disasters. Each Shelter Box provides a dry shelter, warm bed, light and heat, clean water, cooking aids and tools for 10 people.

The Tantramarsh Blues Society held its monthly blues jam at George's Roadhouse on Sunday, with a collection taken at the door and the band waiving its fee for the day, with proceeds donated to the Haiti Relief Fund. More than $540 was raised during the event.