Catholics schools in the City of Cambridge and the Region of Waterloo did their part to help the survivors of the massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti on the 12^th of January. Catholic schools in the region raised a total of over $120,000. That’s around $5 from each student.

And while that may be an impressive amount of money, officials from the region expect more donations to come, as its 52 schools have promised to continue fundraising efforts until the middle of February. Combined with funds collected by the government, donations will total around $250,000.

Efforts to raise funds were done with the cooperation of the school board’s members, the principals of the different schools, as well as the students and their parents.  Catholic parishes in the area also pitched in.

The board is encouraging residents in the community to donate to its charity partner, the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. If you’re in Cambridge or in the Waterloo region, this is the perfect time for you to do your part.

Officials in Haiti estimate the damages brought by the earthquake to be worth billions, while over 150,000 lives have been confirmed to have been lost to the cataclysmic event. The numbers look to only rise.

With Haiti totally devastated after Tuesday’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake, which killed over 50,000 people as of writing this article, Cambridge residents are doing what they can to lend a helping hand.

Among those who sought to take action were 71-year old Sam Davis, and his wife Elizabeth – both residents in the Cambridge vicinity. Upon hearing the news, they immediately made plans to head to the local Salvation Army branch. And that’s exactly what they did on Thursday, donating $200 to Canada’s massive relief effort for Haiti.

Davis hopes his fellow residents follow suit.

Even if both he and his wife were living off pensions, Davis didn’t think twice about pitching in, especially after he saw the ghastly scenes of destruction and death, he said. He adds that he know he’s old, and his money is better suited to help others.

And he’s not alone. According to Shannon Carriere, who works at the Cambridge branch of Canada’s Red Cross, the office has been receiving calls nonstop from people who want to help.

Already, they’re pooling together food items, clothes, and other necessities needed by those left without homes and belongings.

Like everyone else around the world, our prayers go out to those affected by this disaster.