University News

Tragedy in Haiti - a Message from the Principal

January 19, 2010

As a gesture of  solidarity with the people of Haiti, each of Quebec’s universities, including  Bishop’s, will observe one minute of silence on their campuses on Tuesday, January 19 at 4:53 pm , the moment of the earthquake one week ago.

This is a symbolic  gesture meant to call attention to both the importance of short term aid to the  people of Haiti and the necessity for long term thinking about how to rebuild  the educational infrastructure of the country.

In regard to the  need for immediate aid, we can all make a difference right now. Tax deductible  donations given to organizations such as the Red Cross (www.redcross.ca ) and Oxfam ( www.oxfam.ca ) before February 12 will be matched by the Government of Canada.

The Bishop’s  community is also undertaking other efforts. Chaplain Heather Thomson, the SRC,  and the Caribbean African Students’ Association will be organizing a donation  drive for Haitian relief in the near future, and Bishop’s will participate in l’Estrie Pour Haiti on Thursday, January 21, when representatives from a number of key charitable organizations will be in the SUB lobby accepting and receipting donations to support the relief efforts.

The entire Quebec  university community has been hit hard by this disaster.  A number of  students, faculty, retired faculty and staff have lost their lives or are  missing as a result of the earthquake. Thousands more within the university  community are anxious about the fate of loved ones.  We ask you to respect  this moment of silence wherever you are today and to think about the suffering of  those in Haiti and their families around the world.

Please donate  generously to the relief effort.

Michael Goldbloom
Principal

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