ASU student rallies support for Haiti relief efforts
<p>Students at ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus are learning how to help Haitian citizens in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake and experience the joys of volunteerism at the same time.</p><separator></separator><p>Project C.U.R.E. with the Canon Leadership Program at ASU is hosting an informational meeting on how students can help the people of Haiti and other developing countries around the world. The one-hour informational meeting will take place at 2 p.m., Feb. 12, at ASU’s Nursing and Health Innovation Building Two, 550 N. Third St., Innovation Auditorium, room 101/103, Phoenix. Project C.U.R.E. stands for Commission on Urgent Relief and Equipment and is a non-profit and humanitarian relief organization that delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to developing nations. The Canon Leadership Program is a Tempe-based program that prepares ASU students for leadership opportunities within university, state, national and global communities.</p><separator></separator><p>“We live in a global community today and even though Haiti is thousands of miles away, we have an opportunity and obligation to help them in their time of need,” said Bethany Blankenship, an ASU sophomore active in the Canon Leadership Program. “Volunteerism not only helps those in need but helps students grow as citizens. It can be a vital part of our learning experience.”</p><separator></separator><p>The informational meeting is open to all Downtown Phoenix campus students regardless of major or year, and no medical experience is needed. Light refreshments will be provided.</p><separator></separator><p>The 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12 was the most powerful to hit the country in more than 200 years. It toppled dozens of key buildings, including the presidential palace and the United Nations Peacekeeping headquarters. Government officials from Haiti say the quake has killed approximately 200,000 people and has left an estimated 3 million people homeless.</p><separator></separator><p>Students can volunteer in a variety of ways said Brooke Watson, Project C.U.R.E.’s operations director, including making a financial contribution, collecting medical and first aid supplies, sorting supplies, preparing donations for shipment and working in their distribution center.</p><separator></separator><p>“Volunteers can deeply impact the lives of many Haitians and potentially even save a few,” Watson said.</p><separator></separator><p>For more information, go to <a href="http://www.projectcure.org">http://www.projectcure.org</a> or visit Project C.U.R.E. at ASU on Facebook.</p><separator></separator><p><strong>Contact:</strong><br />Bethany Blankenship, <a href="mailto:bethany.blankenship@gmail.com">bethany.blankenship@gmail.com</a>…; <br />(623) 872-8743</p>