The Almagest

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News

Brittney Winn, an organizer of Cité Lespwa, sets up her new home for the week.

The city of Shreveport has made its own contribution to help Haiti. The non-profit event, Cité Lespwa, was held on the Centenary College campus to help raise awareness and funds for Haitian orphans.

The week-long event raised almost fifty thousand dollars. The campsite accommodated between 50 and 60 participants throughout the week with an average of 25 staying the entire week according to Britney Winn, Cité Lespwa organizer.

This event has sparked interest across the country; franchises are rumored to hold similar fundraisers in Greenville, North Carolina.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to continue the spread and have one in a different city every week or so," said Winn.

By the afternoon of the last day, only about six participants remained, but evidence of a larger gathering was apparent. At least a dozen tents were still standing, which is nothing compared to the turn out at the event's peak.

"Saturday night was incredible," said Winn, "At least 60 tents were up spreading all around."

Three students and five graduates from Centenary College were able to travel to Haiti and assist refugees, according to Bitsy Morris, a Centenary student and Cité Lespwa organizer.

The opportunity to help the homeless children was a life-changing experience to some.

"Although it was one of the most difficult, it was by far the most beautiful week I've ever had," said Morris, "Everyone at Cité Lespwa had a life-changing week."

Local businesses including Lil' Joes supported the event. The PieWorks located near the event donated food to the participants.

Despite the inclement weather on the evening of Jan. 20, about 15 participants stayed out in the rain.

The term "Cité Lespwa" is taken from a political party in Haiti that works toward peace and democracy. The event organizers want to offer this same message of hope to the Haitian orphans.

Although the Cité Lespwa event is over, help is still desperately needed for Haitian refugees. You can donate easily by texting "haiti" to 90999 or donating old cell phones at www.phonesforhaiti.com which gives the phone's monetary value as a donation to refugees.

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