Bulldog Aquatic Teams to Raise Money for Haitian Relief Effort
In response to the devastating earthquake that occurred on Jan.
12 in Haiti, the University of Redlands swimming & diving teams
will help sponsor a swim-a-thon, “700 Miles to Haiti,”
that will raise money for Doctors Without Borders and the
International Committee of the Red Cross, as announced today by the
university’s Office of Community Service Learning.
Haiti is located 700 miles off the Florida coast, and the
event’s aim is for the campus community to cover the
equivalent distance in the Thompson Aquatic Center pool on the
university’s campus.
The swimming & diving teams are comprised of 39 women and 31
men, and both programs will serve as a driving force to promote the
event due to their access to the pool and large membership.
“The whole situation puts everything in perspective,”
Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Coach
Leslie Whittemore said. “The team and I are gaining a better
perspective on the world and its problems. It’ll be a
grassroots project, and even if we just raise $5 or $10 here and
there, it’ll impact the people of Haiti and the university
community alike.”
The teams will use one practice during the week of Jan. 25 to log
yardage toward the cause, Whittemore said. Throughout the upcoming
week, the swimmers will secure pledges.
“This is more than just the sheer yards we will do that
day,” Whittemore said. “It’s about making a
global difference. Because of this situation, we realize that
we’re in pretty good shape.”
Participation in the “700 Miles to Haiti” fundraiser is
limited to students, faculty and staff at the university. Community
members may, however, pledge money toward participants. The event
is scheduled to run from Monday, Jan. 25, through Friday, Jan.
29.
To pledge or donate, please contact the Office of Community Service
Learning at (909) 748-8288 or send a check to: University of
Redlands P.O. Box 3080, Redlands, CA 92373-0999 attn: Haiti relief
fund.
1200 E. Colton Ave., P.O. Box 3080 Redlands, CA 92373-0999