Haitian students share stories at fundraising event

More than 60 people attended a fundraising event to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The event, organized by the Padnos International Center, was held January 19 in the Louis Armstrong Theatre.

Presentations were given by students and faculty who have connections to Haiti. Shelda Seide graduated from Grand Valley with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently a nursing student at Grand Valley. She and her family came to the U.S. from Haiti in 1994. She talked about her cousin who died in the earthquake.

“We learned that two of my cousins were trapped under a house,” said Seide. “One of my cousins, a 15-year-old girl, died because she couldn’t get medical attention.”

Grand Valley student Cathie Jean, who came to the U.S. from Haiti in 1993, said it is hard for her family to watch the television coverage of the devastation from the earthquake. She said she was relieved to find out that her grandparents survived.

Peter Wampler, assistant professor of geology, shared information about his water research in Haiti, saying 100-percent of the 30 mountain springs he has tested were contaminated.

Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas kicked off the fundraising campaign by pledging $1,000 from Grand Valley to the Help Haiti Fund.

Donations collected will be distributed to two relief organizations: Rays of Hope for Haiti of Grand Rapids and Partners in Health. For more information about donating, contact the Padnos International Center at (616) 331-3898.