On January 12, 2010, the island nation of Haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The nation, already suffering from extreme poverty and economic conditions, was devastated. Its infrastructure was unable to withstand the powerful earthquake, with its epicenter within miles of the crowded capital of Port-au-Prince. Reports are still coming in, but the death toll was immediately high and is now estimated to exceed 200,000. The world responded with support and aid as rapidly as possible.
WLOY moved to be a coordinator of fundraising efforts on the Loyola University campus, acting as a central conduit and information resource. We were able to secure, with the assistance of BaltimoreACTS! and the Baltimore Community Foundation, a matching donation for our fundraising efforts. The Aber D. Unger Foundation provided a 100% match of the $11,000 that was raised in a few short weeks on campus.
We are proud to have been a part of this great effort at Loyola and to do our small part to help those in dire need. As a part of our ongoing efforts to keep attention focused on the conditions in Haiti, WLOY will be providing interviews with various individuals and groups providing aid directly in Haiti. While we can help write the checks, these are the people truly doing the miraculous service on the ground. We will continue to update this page with new interviews and information as we gather it. Should you have news you wish to share, please email wloy@loyola.edu.
Help for Haiti Radio Program
Our first gathering on the air to discuss the still-unfolding situation in Haiti as we began fundraising. Guests included Nora Collins (Catholic Relief Services), Sister Catherine Gugerty (Center for Community Service and Justice), TIm Teeling (WLOY General Manager) and John Devecka (WLOY Operations Manager).
Listen to the show: HERE
USNS Comfort Interviews
On January 20, 2010, the USNS Comfort arrived in Port-au-Prince, having staffed, stocked and shipped out from Baltimore’s harbor in an amazing 2 days. This massive hospital ship began taking on injured Haitians before it even reached port, performing life-saving surgeries and care on board for over 1000 people. Additional staff went ashore to provide supplies and training to personnel and families in Port-au-Prince. Naval surgeons, nursing staff, and civilian volunteers spent an incredible 7 weeks providing aid on board. When it was determined that there was sufficient restoration of hospital services in Port-au-Prince, the Comfort headed back to Baltimore. We have been lucky enough to reach several members of the ships staff and hear their thoughts and experiences.
Commander William Todd (Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon)*
Lieutenant Carrie Easton (Registered Nurse)*
* These interviews were conducted by ship-to-shore phone while the Comfort was en route back to Baltimore. There were poor weather conditions over the ship at the time and the audio quality is less than ideal.
Interview audio coming soon.
Flip Flop Friday’s in support of the efforts of Catherine Savell
WLOY, in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus, are supporting Loyola professor Catherine Savell’s work in Haiti! We are selling Loyola flip flops at WLOY’s live broadcast in front of Boulder every Friday between 11am and 1pm. All the money raised will go to help build schools and programs in Haiti, in support of Catherine Savell, of Loyola’s Modern Languages Department, who has taken a leave of absence this semester to stay in Haiti and help with their rebuilding. How often can you get flip flops and support a good cause?