Surprised? No. Overwhelmed? Maybe. Amazed? Yes.
The organizers of this week’s YYC4Haiti Fundraiser said that when they started the fundraising initiative, they knew it would be big. But it turned out to be huge, according to co-planner Camilla Di Giuseppe.
“I’m not surprised that so many people stepped up … but you don’t realize how many people you can reach with social media,” she said.
Co-organizer Angela MacIssac said she was touched by the way both the local community and the continent has stepped up to the plate.
“It’s overwhelming. I was always proud of this city … and it keeps making me prouder every day. It’s such an amazing city,” she said.
Alex Ruiz, another event organizer, said she was touched by the number of people who offered help from all over Canada and the U.S.
“This is something that the entire city has gotten involved in. Politicians, athletes, businesses, individuals, and the list goes on,” she said.
“People are sending things from Toronto, Colorado, St. Louis. People are coming from Vancouver and Edmonton. It’s great to see so many people offering something.”
Local artist Tony Wong has offered to produce a one-of-a-kind artwork to auction, Ruiz added.
The event is expected to raise thousands, with auction items coming from businesses, artists and athletic organizations, according to the organizers.
YYC4Haiti takes places at Flames Central on Thursday night.
