University News

WIU to Host Hands Holding Haiti Fundraiser

October 25, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- On Oct. 6, Hurricane Matthew, one of the most severe storms to hit the Caribbean in a decade, pummeled the southwestern region of Haiti with nearly 143-mile-per-hour winds and torrential rains.

To date, more than 1,000 people have died as a direct result of the storm, and now the country battles new deaths from a cholera outbreak. Western Illinois University Professors Susan Czechowski (art) and Heather McIlvaine-Newsad (anthropology) decided something needed to be done to raise awareness and funds for the people of Haiti.

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, members of WIU and surrounding communities can join WIU's student organizations Kappa Pi (art), WASC (Western Anthropology & Sociology Club) and NACWA (National Association of Colored Women's Club) for the "Hands Holding Haiti" silk screening fundraiser in the University Union Concourse. Tote bags will be available for purchase, and individuals can also bring a t-shirt to silkscreen. Donations start at $5, with a goal of $2,000.

According to Czechowski, all proceeds will be given to Partners in Health. This international organization, which has been working in Haiti for three decades, has 12 health centers in Haiti's central region and 10 cholera treatment centers in anticipation of a likely spike in cholera cases. The organization works to provide water, medicine and care to Haiti's poorest and most vulnerable residents.

McIlvaine-Newsad added that even before Hurricane Matthew struck, one in five Haitian children were starving, countless families lived in tents and thousands were sick with cholera.

"Then Matthew crashed into Haiti, washing away 80 percent of crops in the south and leaving thousands more families homeless, resulting in a more widespread cholera outbreak," she said.

For more information, visit pih.org. To donate, visit https://donate.pih.org/page/outreach/view/campaign/WIUHaiti.

Posted By: Alisha Looney (AA-Looney@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing