ISC Students “Shake It for Haiti”
By Paul Combs
When I first learned that our International School of Curitiba National Honor Society (NHS) was planning a talent show to raise money for Haiti relief, I recall thinking how pleased I was with not only their global awareness, but also their desire and commitment to provide much needed aid for the Children of Haiti Project (COHP).
Then I learned that the students involved intended on calling the fundraiser, “Shake It for Haiti.” Honestly, my first reaction was that the charity event title sounded a bit distasteful. But when the NHS planned the details of the event following the January 12th earthquake, it became clear that it was their intention to shake up our entire ISC community to step forward and assist in raising much needed funds for the opening of a school in Port-au-Prince.
Led by the president of NHS, Cristiane Heinrichs, and NHS sponsors, Monica Heinrichs and Eli Bomfim, the ISC students in grades 1-12 enthusiastically embraced the fundraising event which included more than 20 acts.
Performing to a standing room only audience, students sang, danced, performed magic and vignettes, and even gave a martial arts demonstration. Assisted by the elementary student council, our NHS organized games and sold food during the extended intermission to raise additional funds. Individual donations were also accepted, with ISC teacher George Miller agreeing to have his long hair cut 1 centimeter for every R$100 raised. The next time you see him, you will no doubt notice his hair is considerably shorter due to the haircut he received from Mr. Bomfim that memorable evening. Not only did the event raise US $1,500, but it gave our community an opportunity to have a great time just being together.
While the 7.0 earthquake may have temporarily crushed the hopes of many Haitians for an education and a better future, it is the generous contributions from so many people around the world that is actually giving the people of Haiti hope for the future. I would like to take this opportunity to challenge all of us to continue to support the COHP relief project. For more information you can go to www.childrenofhaitiproject.org
Paul Combs is the Elementary Principal of the International School of Curitiba.
