Flag was at half-mast yesterday in honour of victims of Haiti’s earthquake

York University joined the Government of Ontario yesterday in lowering its flag to half-mast in honour of victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

The 7.0-magnitude earthquake, which struck Jan. 12 off the west coast of Haiti, caused widespread damage to the Haitian capital of Port au Prince and other towns, killing up to 150,000 people and leaving more than 200,000 homeless.

There are several ways the York community can help Haitians affected by the earthquake through donations.

The York Federation of Students (YFS) is hoping to raise $15,000 for Doctors Without Borders to provide medical support for Haitians. The YFS will match every dollar donated by students.

The CBC is raising money through its Canada for Haiti campaign. To donate or see news updates, visit the CBC Haiti Relief Web site.

Other leading Canadian charities involved with Haiti include the Canadian Red Cross and World Vision Canada.

The federal government will match donations by individuals in Canada to eligible Canadian charitable organizations assisting with the relief efforts in Haiti. The funds will be managed through the Canadian International Development Agency.