The International Red Cross estimated that about three million people were affected by the quake, as there was major damage to Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area.

The January 12, 2010, Haitian earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake occurring approximately 16 miles west of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.

The Augustana Chapel has already sent donations for the relief effort to Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, working to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangleical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is coordinating their earthquake relief efforts through partnerships with Catholic Relief Services and Action by Churches Together (ACT). With support from LWR, these relief organizations are helping to deliver water containers, purification and sanitation supplies and shelter items.

Learn updates about Augustana alumni affected by the earthquake in Haiti, as well as events, campus resources and ways to support the Haitian people.
 

UPDATES:

Saturday, February 13, 2010—Faith Fest 2010 - "Healing Hunger, Breaking Bread"

This year's Faith Fest will focus on raising awareness about world hunger—both physical and spiritual. On Satuday afternoon, participants will spend several hours at Sioux Falls Kids Against Hunger, packing specially formulated rice-soy casserole that will be delivered to children and families in both the United States and Haiti.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010—Augustana Community Providing School Kits for Haitian Children

Augustana students have identified Lutheran World Relief's "School Kit Program" to support the youth and their long term need for education. Each school kit we assemble will assist one child returning to school after the terrible devastation experienced by this small island country. These school kits will help children's education even while living in refugee camps and they may also be used in adult literacy classes.

Collection boxes for the supplies have been placed in many buildings throughout the campus including the Morrison Commons, Elmen Center, residence halls, Administration Building, Madsen Center, and the Humanities Center.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010—Alumnus Assists in Treatment of Haiti Earthquake Casualties

Dr. Dale Peterson, class of 1960, is assisting in the medical treatment of those injured in the Haiti earthquake. He is a volunteer physician at Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Milot, located about 75 miles from Port-au-Prince.

Friday, January 15, 2010—Chapel of Reconciliation—Service for Healing and Reconciliation

The Augustana community came together to pray for the best during these dark days in Haiti. But Friday's prayer service was not only held for the people in the country, but for two former Augustana College students who are in Haiti (Jonathan Larson, class of 2006, and Sarah Thomson, class of 2007).

Thursday, January 14, 2010—Augustana Alumni Safe Following Haiti Earthquake

Two Augustana alumni were among the many American missionaries serving in Haiti at the time of Tuesday’s massive earthquake. Both Jonathan Larson, class of 2006, and Sarah Thomson, class of 2007, survived the disaster. Thomson and Larson are students at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Both were in Haiti working on January term projects.

If you know Augustana alumni affected, please send alumni@augie.edu a note.