On Jan. 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck Haiti, causing the loss of over 150,000 lives, according to a preliminary assessment from Haiti's government on Jan 23. This unfortunate occurrence has touched the whole world at large and sparked concern amongst people all over the world, including several students at BYU-Idaho.

Two students — Gina Dorson, a Haitian-American recent convert and sophomore from Florida; and Adam Bouka, a freshman of African descent from Montreal, Canada — teamed up to organize a fundraiser and care kit project to aid the survivors of the disaster-stricken people of Haiti.

On Friday, Jan. 29th, 2010, the group will hold a fundraising dance at the Old Cajun Bob's. The entry cost is $6 and every dollar will be donated toward the support of the survivors in Haiti.

“I've lost five cousins from this earthquake and some are still missing,” Dorson said. “My family is having a hard time coping with our loss, but thank goodness I have a strong testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I've been a member [of the Church] for two years now. When Elders go on a mission and they return and they say it’s the best two years of their lives. I can truly say it’s been the best two years of my life too.

Dorson’s background has contributed to her desire to serve.

“I am the youngest of three children,” she said. “I come from a Catholic background. My parents are still Catholic till today. I have faith that one day they will accept the gospel in their lives. While in college I plan to volunteer in my community. I will not give up. I will put a 100% effort into my work. What makes me stand above the rest is the desire and heart that I have allowed myself to overcome any obstacles and strive for the best. The desire and heart to work well with others, and most importantly the desire and heart to work hard.”

Bouka attributes his desire to serve to his heritage.

Adam Bouka said, “I was really devastated when I learned about the tragedy that occurred in Haiti. I am not Haitian, but I want [my Haitian friends] to know that as Christians and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we care for our brothers. I know that the Church has already helped a lot. I have learned that there are times to pray and worship, but there are times when we need to get moving and help and give to people that are in need.”

Bouka has teamed up with several organizations and institutions to organize a fundraising dance party for this cause.

“How we got to mobilize that many people in such a short time, I don’t really know. I really think that the Lord prepared the way.”

Bouka met a promoter of events in Rexburg, who assure that everything necessary for the fundraiser was donated: the facilties, the DJ, the lighting and sound equipment and the flyers..The promoter also contacted the American Red Cross, and other non-profit associations.

The volunteers are expecting over a thousand people,” Bouka said. “With a goal of at least $6000 to help the people of Haiti, these student volunteers are genuinely putting their shoulders to the wheel of righteousness and humanitarian service.”

Others expressed their enthusiasm for the project.

Jeff Beck, a freshman from Oregon, said, “It is the attitude that matters. Even though it is something small, we are taking care of the children of God in Haiti who need help. But we just feel good that we will be able to contribute a little bit to help our brothers.”

He also cited the Relief Society slogan, “Charity Never Faileth.”

“I really think that we need to care for each other,” Beck said. “I don't want to be only someone that says they aspire to become a disciple of Christ, but someone that shows it by his actions. This is one of the things I have learned since I have been at BYU-I. This is only my third week here in Rexburg, but I love it because there is a special spirit here.”

All through this week, flyers will be handed out to various apartments around campus to create enough awareness of this project.