Date: June 8, 2010
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Club Presents Haiti Relief Check to American Red Cross

Bobbi Petru, executive director of the American Red Cross LaPorte County Chapter, (left) accepts a donation check from PNC Mulitcultural Club President Xiao Jian Mei and Treasurer Marta Huddleston

Westville – The Purdue University North Central Multicultural Club recently presented a check for $500 to American Red Cross LaPorte County Chapter to help support the ongoing relief effort for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

The Multicultural Club members hosted a series of fund-raising events on campus during the past semester, with their biggest event being a Rice and Beans luncheon. Students, faculty and staff were welcome to enjoy lunch and donate to the relief effort what they would normally have spent buying their lunch.

The luncheon featured a presentation about Haiti that gave a perspective of its history and its current state.

Club members also posted collection jars in the cafeteria where people dropped their spare change.

“The Multicultural Club works to bring together people of different cultures and backgrounds so that we can better understand one another,” said club President Xiao Jian Mei. “We need to assume responsibility to help one another in times of need.”

Mei called the response “fantastic.”

“We set our goal at $500 and I am happy that we reached it,” she said. “I am grateful to every one who donated. This shows that if people donate their spare change, it can make a difference.”

Mei and Multicultural Club Treasurer Marta Huddleston presented the check to American Red Cross LaPorte County Chapter Executive Director Bobbi Petru.

“It is wonderful that the students are thinking globally,” said Petru. “It is clear that they understand the need and the human suffering that continues in Haiti. The earthquake took just a few minutes to destroy millions of lives that will take years to rebuild. The need for help will continue for some time. This donation means so much and will help so many.”

The club hosted an International and Multicultural Education Week with a series of activities on campus. Throughout the year the club sponsors guest speakers, dance troupes and awareness events open to the campus and surrounding community, said Kenneth Kincaid, assistant professor of History and club advisor.

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