The student-led Bears Backing Haiti: 50 in 50 campaign raised over $34,000 for relief efforts of Springfield-based Convoy of Hope. The campaign which started at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19^th and continued through 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21^st received four donations of $1000 or more, $2,000 in change, and ten $500 donations. With over 200 students volunteering more than 1000 hours during the campaign, Bears Backing Haiti presented Convoy of Hope during a candle light vigil late Thursday night.

Student Body President, Christopher Polley, promised that students would continue raising funds for Convoy of Hope until the $50,000 goal is met. The campaign has coordinated with local McDonalds to accept donations in the lobbies and drive-thrus where students will be present with buckets. Donations also may continue to be sent to the Commerce Bank located in the Plaster Student Union or through the Convoy of Hope website: https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXDONATE/donate.asp?cguid=5A8FB525%2D705A%2D4E3A%2D928E%2DB6FB2EF97957&dpid=20654

The Office of Student Engagement is looking for students interested in volunteering time at the local McDonalds. Volunteers are needed for the following shifts on Wednesday and Thursday (January 27 & 28)

6:30am -9am
10:30am – 1:00pm
4:30pm-7:00pm

To sign up for a shift please call 417-836-4386.

Fellow Students,

Recognizing our duty to provide compassion and support, student leaders of Missouri State have established Bears Backing Haiti: 50 in 50, a relief campaign aimed at  raising 50,000 dollars in 50 hours to aid Springfield-based Convoy of Hope in their relief efforts.

The campaign will begin 6:00 pm tonight and continue through 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 21st in front of the Plaster Student Union and around campus. Volunteers with buckets will be available during the 50 hours; additionally, donations can be dropped off at Commerce Bank in the Plaster Student Union.

The campaign will conclude at 8:15 p.m. Thursday evening with a Candle Light Vigil and presentation of a check to Convoy of Hope at the Bear Paw.

Students of Missouri State have often set the standard when responding to tragedies whether it be a hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast or an earthquake devastating a small island-nation. Showing your support for the people of Haiti can be as simple as telling a friend of the campaign or foregoing your morning coffee and donating to the cause. To volunteer for the campaign call the Office of Student Engagement at 836-4386.  I hope that you will join me in this endeavor and keep the victims and their families in your thoughts. Together we can bring to the people of Haiti the friendship and hope that is required of the common humanity we share.

Respectfully,

-Christopher W. Polley

Student Body President