Haiti needs full support
As reports of the devastation in Haiti continue to pour in, the University of Ottawa community is shocked at the extent of the destruction and immensely saddened by the loss of life following the major earthquake and its aftershocks. It is during these unimaginably difficult times that we need to rally together and do what we can. We are keenly aware that some members of our uOttawa community may have family and friends in Haiti with no way of knowing if they are safe or find out about their well being. The uOttawa family is making every effort to help those within our community who are affected and several on- and off-campus services and associations are mobilizing to offer our full-hearted support.
On-campus services at your disposal
- The Students' Federation is offering a free hotline (when communication access is restored) for those students trying to reach family and friends. To learn more about this and other relief initiatives organized by the SFUO contact Gwen Madiba at volunteer@sfuo.ca or 613-562-5800 ext. 3070
- Counselling Services are available to those affected by the disaster. They can be reached by phone at 613-562-5200, by email couns@uOttawa.ca or in person at 100 Marie-Curie (4th Floor).
External resources
To help you stay informed, here are a number of links to external organizations including the federal government.
- Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- UN - United Nations
- Consulat Général d'Haïti à Montréal (website only available in French)
Relief efforts
There is no doubt that this is a major humanitarian emergency and that a major relief effort is underway. Many of us want to reach out and help during times like these. The Students' Federation of the University of Ottawa is doing what it can to help. Donations are being accepted in person at the SFUO office in the Unicentre (85 University Private, Room 07) until January 22. Contact Gwen Madiba at volunteer@sfuo.ca or 613-562-5800, ext. 3070 for more information.
Here is a list of aid agencies taking donations at this time (please note that this list is not exhaustive and other aid organizations may accept donations as well).
For media inquiries please contact media relations officers Nadine Saint-Amour or Vincent Lamontagne.