3 Charities, 30 Days, $30,000

February 8, 2010 • By Caitlin Hawes,
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JMU’s 30 For 30 Organization Planning Several Events Running Through March 5

HARRISONBURG, Va.— Having just started Wednesday, JMU’s campaign for Haiti is picking up speed and launching into efforts. “30 For 30 Travay Pou Chanjman” aims to raise $30,000 in 30 days.

“Travay Pou Chanjman” is Haitian Creole for “Work for Change.” The 30 day period runs from Feb. 3 to March 5.

The campaign has launched a Web site for donations and an online store selling T-shirts, tote bags, clocks, hats, mugs and other paraphernalia with the “30 For 30” logo; $5 from every purchase will go to the campaign.

“Everyone is in high spirits,” said Jillian Johnston, a senior IDLS major who has helped coordinate upcoming events. “Everyone is coming together to do this.”

The group’s first official meeting Wednesday had about 15 to 20 students in attendance, as well as several faculty members. The only damper has been the recent snowfall.

Some of the organization’s upcoming events include Penny Wars among different JMU organizations, a benefit dinner and concert, an envelope campaign, and collection tables at different events, such as the upcoming gymnastics meet. There are no definite dates for these events.

“If 15,000 people give $2, then we would already have $30,000,” said Tom Siems, one of the coordinators for the envelope initiative. The “Two From You” envelope campaign involves volunteers who take envelopes around campus asking students for $2 donations. This part of the campaign will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Sheldon Hall room 114.

“I think it’s realistic, because JMU is such a service-oriented community,” Johnston said. “People are really aware of the fact that this is such a catastrophic event.”

If 6,000 people would donate $5, Johnston said the organization’s goal would be met. Since the campaign is still in its early stages, no one knew the amount already collected. All were confident they could achieve the $30,000 goal.

“The key thing is that each of these events are being created by students,” said Nina Bence, a senior biology major. “They make it happen. Every voice is heard.”

She said the 30 For 30 organization acts as a “clearing house” for other organizations that might want to get involved. The International Student Association (ISA) sponsors the organization.

Contact Caitlin Hawes hawescm@jmu.edu

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