Cougars, Calamities and Classics: Stepping it up for Haiti
We see the devastation and horror of the Haiti earthquake plastered across our TV screens and in the newspapers. A lot of us either feel helpless or like we need to jump on the next plane to help as we sit and watch the footage. Some of us might be numb to all the images of horror that are broadcast almost every minute in some form or another. Whatever the case we are seeing incredible pictures coming out of CNN, CBC and others.
Anderson Cooper you are a journalist to look up to…thank you for taking peoples names and announcing on television that they were okay so their loved ones would know and at least take comfort in that.
President Barack Obama has said that the government will provide $100 million in aid and the federal government in Canada will match donations of up to $50 million equaling $100 million as well. Donations and aid of different sorts from food, to tents, to sniffer dogs are pouring in from all over the world.
So many phone calls and e-mails are coming in to the different aid agencies that phone lines and websites are clogging up.
And now the major sport leagues are also throwing in their share. Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig has said that the league will be donating $1 million for Haiti and the earthquake victims with the NFL donating $1 million as well. The NHL is also making a donation of $100,000. And rumours are circling that Tiger Woods’ Tiger Woods Foundation will be donating $3 million for aid.
It is great to see everyone reach out so unflaggingly to people in times of devastation and great need. It is nice to hope that maybe one day that generosity will be given so wholly on a regular, catastrophe free, basis.
It’s so sad what’s happening in Haiti and I am truly impressed that people all over the world are coming together so quickly and also just discussing the situation to get awareness out. It’s great to see sports leagues are donating as well, as they are probably some of the wealthiest institutions out there. I agree that hopefully someday this kind of help won’t need to be spurred on by extreme devastation. Not sure how long it’s going on for but there is some fundraising being done on Mainstreet here at MRU as well! Even if it’s just a couple of cents, go on down and donate your pocket change. Every little bit helps!