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Island mobilises in support of Haiti

by isleofman.com 21st January 2010

The Isle of Man's response to the Haiti earthquake is really getting into its stride with many events taking place over the next week or so.

Hundreds of people are getting involved with efforts to raise funds to help with disaster relief for the caribbean country.

The capital city, Port au Prince was virtually flattened by a magnitude seven quake last week and was struck again by an after-shock measuring 6.3 yesterday (Wednesday).

Here is a roundup of some of the fund raising events planned in the Isle of Man over the next few days:

Ballacottier Primary School is holding a Rainbow Fair, to which pupils are being asked to bring colourful items that can be sold to raise funds. In keeping with the theme, they will be allowed to wear brightly coloured clothing.

Ballasalla Primary School is also doing things in a different way, with pupils making a map of Haiti out of coins on the floor of the main hall.

Non-uniform days are being held at Anagh Coar, Ballaugh, Foxdale, Peel Clothworkers', St John's and St Thomas' primary schools, and QEII High School.

At Ballakermeen High School the staff are getting involved by taking part in a sponsored swim. Year seven pupils are doing a sponsored run and year ten students are holding an assembly to collect donations.

Sponsored walks and runs are a common theme in response to the disaster.

Local woman Rachel Blackwell has put together the 1100 mile challenge. The figure relates to the approximate length of the coastline of Haiti and Ms Blackwell is hoping enough Isle of Man residents will join in for the distance to be covered by running, walking and swimming. Anyone who wants to get involved can contact Rachel via 1100milerun@gmail.com

A wide range of schools, clubs and other groups are rising to the challenge.

The Southern Swimming Club is staging two swimathons. The first is on Tuesday, February 2, with the second, three days later.

Pupils at King William's College, and Rushen and Cronk-y-Berry primary schools, are doing sponsored mile walks and runs, and Ramsey Football club is staging a sponsored run and walk around the Mooragh Park lake on Sunday, January 31, at 11.00am.

Laxey Primary School has a bring and buy sale and raffle at Green Hall from 11.00am on Saturday, January 23, and Scoill Ree Gorree will be holding a sale at which pupils can 'recycle unwanted Christmas presents and other items'. It's on Monday, January 25 and pupils and parents from Auldyn School are also welcome.

St John's Primary School is holding a week of cake bakes and is also donating profits from the tuck shop.

Scoill Vallajeelt has been leading the way with fundraising efforts, having already met an ambitious target of ?1,000 - two days ahead of the deadline. The money raised will go towards purchasing Shelterboxes which are pre-packed shelters and survival equipment. The original plan was to buy two, but it's now hoped funds will extend to three or more.

The Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann is also hoping to provide Shelterboxes and anyone able to help can contact chairman of the organisation's International Committee John Quaye via john@mic.co.im

Onchan's Rotary Club is aiming to provide Aquabox water filters and has had a very generous response. The person to contact there is Nigel Dobson on 200515 or you can call in to the Liverpool Arms.

If you are planning an event which isn't mentioned above, please email danwalker@manxradio.com and we will add it to the list.




Posted by isleofman.com
Thursday 21st, January 2010 07:41pm.

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