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Friday, 15 January 2010 10:48 |
MESSAGE FROM DR. CHRIS SPENCE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION:
A CALL TO ACTION
The capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince has suffered a catastrophic earthquake. Reports have stated up to three million people may be directly affected and tens of thousands could already be dead. On behalf of everyone at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), I would like to express my deepest condolences and sorrow for those who have lost friends and family in the Caribbean nation. Many of our staff, students, families and community members still have loved ones who are very much in need of our immediate assistance
We are all one race – that is the human race. So I am asking our TDSB community to pull together to support the aid and recovery effort in any way you can. No donation is too small. Please turn your sympathy and compassion for the survivors into action by helping to provide those devastated by the Haitian earthquake the most basic of human needs: clean drinking water, food, shelter and medical care.
The TDSB is supporting Free the Children <http://www.freethechildren.com/> and the Canadian Red Cross <http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=000005&tid=003> in their relief efforts, which are getting underway as we speak. Collections will also be set up at every one of our schools for donations in cash, cheque or money order (Note: the Red Cross will only accept cheque or money orders at this time). It is important to note that the Government of Canada will be matching all charitable donations dollar for dollar.
For all donations in excess of $10, tax receipts will be issued by the respective charities. The need is great and so we ask students and staff, parents and area residents to do what they can. Early next week more information about how schools and individuals may make donations and support the TDSB in its effort to help the people of Haiti.
We’re asking schools to observe one minute of silence on Monday, January 18th at a time that is convenient for you. Also, each school and TDSB site is advised to lower their flags to half-staff for the entire duration of next week. We hope you will take some time on this day to remember those who have lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.
Please share this message with anyone in the TDSB who does not have access to email.
Thank you.
Chris Spence
Director of Education
Toronto District School Board
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