Help Haiti
Like people all around the world, our hearts go out to the people of Haiti in the wake of the January 12 earthquake. As the Tri-State area begins to rally to support the victims of this horrific tragedy, we wanted to highlight some opportunities that area residents have to lend a helping hand.
In an effort to raise relief funds, McCoy Jewelers will accept donations for the American Red Cross, and in exchange, a customer can get 50 percent off any one purchase.
“This is a time of year when people are shopping for Valentine’s gifts, and with the devastating earthquake in Haiti, we felt that we could raise money and awareness,” said Jonathan McCoy, designer and marketing manager. “Our event is very simple: Select any item in the shop and we will take half off the item, with half of the sale being written by the customer to the American Red Cross – Haiti Relief Program. Not only will they get a great piece of jewelry but they will also know that their donation is helping those in need.” Visit www.netgold.com for further details.
Tom Rauen, of Envision Sports Designs, is also stepping forward, with sales of the T-shirts you see above this article. 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross. Envision is located at 3220 Dodge Street in Dubuque, and its Web site is www.envisiontees.com.
Understanding that recovery efforts will require ongoing support and that Dubuque area residents might feel more comfortable in giving to a local fund for Haitian relief, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque has established a Haiti Relief Fund.
“We want donors to have a high level of confidence that their philanthropic dollars will go to the people and organizations most impacted,” said Nancy Van Milligen, foundation president and chief executive officer, in a statement on the foundation Web site. Not intended to interfere or compete with agencies providing immediate, emergency assistance, the Community Foundation fund will support continuing recovery efforts.
“The people of Haiti will need help long after immediate needs are addressed,” she said. “This fund will take the long-term view.”
The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is a member of the Council on Foundations, which provides the organization with access to experts to provide counsel concerning the immediate needs in Haiti, the variety of organizations responding to the tragedy, and opportunities for long-term assistance. Contributions may be mailed to: Haiti Relief Fund, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, P.O. Box 902, Dubuque, Iowa, 52004-0902. Donors may also contribute in-person at the Community Foundation office at Suite 195 in the Roshek Building (Mezzanine level), 700 Locust Street, or online at www.dbqfoundation.org.
