By Jeff Angileri
MADISON (WKOW) -- Students at the University of Wisconsin often
arrive on campus with dreams of making a difference in the world.
Now, they have a legitimate opportunity.
On Thursday, students from the UW will volunteer their time at booths
across campus, asking for donations, in what's being called the Day of
Action for Haiti Relief.
"We wanted to do some type of fundraiser campus-wide, and as big as
we could make it," said Tom Templeton, with the Associated Students of
Madison.
With hundreds of thousands of Haitians suffering in the quake's
aftermath, students are organizing a relief drive to help. The
connections to Haiti are many they say -- from Haitian students
attending the UW, to visiting professors from Haiti, to study abroad
programs that bring students to the Caribbean nation.
"We're part of a global community. The UW is a global university,"
said Adam Johnson, also with Associated Students of Madison. "We have
students from all over the world."
Area businesses are joining the cause, too. The owner of Zander's
Capitol Grill says he plans to match any donations made at his
establishment.
"I feel like honestly anytime we can do something, when we have the
power to do it, we should. They don't have the power," said owner
Mohamed Barketallah. "They need the help of anybody right now."
Even before people start dropping money into plastic donation bins,
students say they realize the collective power they have to do some
good.
"If every person on campus donates a dollar, that's $40,000. If
everyone from the community gives a dollar, that's $200,000," Templeton
said.
Said Johnson, "Some people will donate more, some won't donate. I
still think we can have a considerable impact, really make a difference
for these people."
The booths will be set up at various locations throughout campus on
Thursday. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross.
