Hopefully you've had the chance to empty your pocket change into one of the SMUSA Haiti Relief funds on campus, or are planning to this week. The fundraising efforts by SMUSA are set to continue until February 12th. In addition to the $1000 SMUSA is matching in donated funds, Saint Mary’s University Administration has committed to matching what students donate up to $5000!

Donations from societies and individuals have already surpassed $3000 without any fund matching.Upcoming 50/50 draws and donation boxes being placed at SMU athletic games over the next few weekends have placed SMUSA within reach of its goal of $10,000 with fund matching. On top of what is raised and matched by SMU the Canadian Government has lifted the $52 million dollar cap and will match all donations by individuals bringing the potential donation total up to roughly $20,000.

For donations greater than $20, tax receipts are being issued by the Canadian Red Cross. All you need to do is provide your mailing information and a receipt will be sent to you.

In the larger Halifax community there are many ways to make a contribution to the relief efforts. Just Us! locations on Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road are accepting cash donations as well as clothes, blankets and bottled water which will be sent to Haiti through the Halifax based organization Salutary Angels..

The gym at Saint Andrew’s United Church will host Halifax to Haiti, a coffee house style entertainment fundraiser on February 6th at 7pm. The Church is on Coburg Road, admission is $10 and there will be beverages and baked goods for sale as well with all proceeds going to Free the Children’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.

A benefit concert, Halifax for Haiti, will be held February 8th at the Metro Centre. The concert will feature over fifteen East Coast performers including Joel Plaskett, DRUM!, Classified, Charlie A'Court, Lennie Gallant, and more. Tickets are $20 with all proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross Relief Fund and can be purchased through Ticket Atlantic. Prior to the concert Brussels Restaurant & Brasserie will be holding the fundraiser 'Halifax Helps' with live music, beer and appetizers to get people pumped for the concert at the Metro Centre Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross. Purchasing a ticket will enter your name in a draw to win a seat in the Molson Skybox for the Halifax for Haiti concert.

Texted donations are still being accepted; just text HAITI to 45678 and a $5 donation will be taken off your next phone bill for the Salvation Army Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. If you do text your donation be sure to confirm it or the donation will not be counted. Anything you can donate will make a difference!