Ottawa’s Haitian community rallying to support their homeland
More than a week after a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, relief efforts continue. With thousands dead and thousands more left homeless, the local Haitian community gathered at the Haitian embassy in Ottawa Sunday afternoon to show their support for those impacted by the tragedy.
With a death toll standing at 2189 and an estimated 332 people still missing, thousands have been forced to live on the streets as torrential rains lashed the country after tropical storm Grace added to their misery days after the quake.
So far the Canadian Red Cross has raised $2 million for Haitian earthquake relief.
Ketcia Peters, who helped organize Sundays gathering, is hoping the local community continues to show support for the people of Haiti.
“Today we are gathering to remember the loved ones and those that have lost family members,” Peters said. “That’s why it’s important for us in Ottawa to create a space so they can donate and come together to grieve with the Haitian people.
“Most of the people in Haiti are surviving on the aid we provide,” Peters added. “We send money to our loved ones and without us they are unable to survive.”
There is a drop-off location for those wishing to donate at the North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada, 815 St Laurent Blvd.
Some of the items organisers are looking for:
- Water
- Small Radios (battery operated)
- Baby Products
- Tents and sleeping bags
- Flashlights and batteries
- Blankets
- Toiletries
- Flip flops
- Socks
- Masks
- Candles
- Canned foods
- Feminine products
- First aid kits
- Solar panels
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.