supporthaiti01, originally uploaded by thecorsource.

As the news about Haiti’s devastating earthquake became known across Canada and much of the world, countless individuals have worked tirelessly to organize various fundraising events to bolster financial support for the millions affected. Among them are Rob Davis, Ward 15 council hopeful and professional event organizer Deb Lewis who both conceived The Campaign for Haiti fundraising event that took place on Thursday, January 21, 2010 as the Ultra Supper Club.

Some of the city’s mayoral candidates also set aside their politics and came together for a greater cause, assisting the people of Haiti. As Davis said, “Tonight’s not about politics as much as it is about people who are political helping people in need.”

The mayoral hopefuls who participated included George Smitherman, Rocco Rossi, Giorgio Mammoliti, JP Pampena, Rocco Achampong, Michael State, Baquie Ghazi and Sarah Thomson. Jane Pitfield, Ward 29 Council hopeful also participated in the event.

Rocco Rossi, Mayoral hopeful stated this about his involvement with The Campaign for Haiti; “this is a city with a huge heart. For 4 ½ years I ran the heart and stroke foundation and I witnessed the generosity of this city. And there is no question that in the face of the tremendous tragedy that has occurred in Haiti that we would open our hearts, our wallets, open our prayers and thoughts to the people of Haiti. We have many Haitians living in Toronto and Montreal they have friends and relatives our prayers go out to them. This is something that is apolitical, it’s about humans caring about humans”.

Sarah Thomson, publisher of Women’s Post and mayoral hopeful said she was happy to be a part of the event and to assist by bringing awareness to the fundraising efforts. She said, “It’s about giving back and helping where you can”.

This event was unique as it gave Torontonians the chance to mingle with the city’s possible political future leaders while raising money to help the many affected by the massive earthquake that has killed so many.

Among them was also Rocco Achampong a mayoral hopeful. He will be making his official Declaration Speech and Campaign Launch on Monday, February 1, 2010. He is extremely happy to assist with fundraising and mobilizing support for the people of Haiti.

The funds raised from The Campaign for Haiti were all donated the Canadian Red Cross Disaster Relief for Haiti Fund to which the Federal Government will match.

Author: Yanique Williams
Photographer: Nadalie Bardowell