Haiti Fundraiser at Drummond Hill Presbyterian Church, Niagara Falls, shows power of caring

NIAGARA FALLS, ON — A few days after the massive earthquake in Haiti, four high-school friends from three different high schools (Lucas Bahdi and Patrick Klimczak of A N Myer, Quy Dinh of Stamford Collegiate, and Cullen Manningham of St. Paul’s) in Niagara Falls decided to show how much they cared about all those who were suffering. With help of one of their parents, they approached Drummond Hill Presbyterian Church to enquire if they could put together an evening of dance to raise fund for Haiti.

Within few days the plan was in full swing with the blessings from Drummond Hill Presbyterian Church whose leaders were very impressed with the initiative these four young men took. The fund-raising dance was organized. Tickets were sold. Within 10 days of conceiving the idea, they were able to put together “Help Haiti Dance” on Friday, January 29. Advertising was primarily through word of mouth and on Facebook. Within a week, they were able to sell more than 100 tickets. Altogether they raised and donated $1,100 to the Presbyterian World Service and Development (PWS&D) who will channel the fund to ACT International (Action by Churches Together) who already are working with local Haitian churches and organizations to distribute food and goods prioritizing in helping the pregnant and families with young children first. More information can be found at the PWS&D website.

The Rev. Wally Hong of the Drummond Hill Presbyterian Church accepted the cheque on behalf of the church and thanked not only those students who organized the dance but all other young people who came out to support the dance in such a short time.

Hearing about this effort the local MPP, Kim Craitor, received them at his office and congratulated them for this wonderful effort on behalf of the people of Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. He shared how moved his was at such generosity and compassion shown by the young people of this region.

Quy Dinh, Cullen Manningham, Kim Craitor (MPP), Patrick Klimczak, Lucas Bahdi and Rev. W. Hong of Drummond Hill Church presenting the cheque for Haiti Relief.