RIT to Collect Camping Equipment for Earthquake Victims in Pakistan

MEDIA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: DEC. 12-16

More victims from October’s deadly earthquake in Pakistan may freeze to death if they don’t receive winter survival gear.

Rochester Institute of Technology professors and students launched www.QuakeHelp.net late last month urging people here at home and across the country to donate essential camping equipment like tents, tarps, sleeping bags and blankets. The response has been tremendous with more than 20 drop-off sites established in six states.

All next week, Dec. 12-16, people can drop off good quality camping equipment to RIT’s Interfaith Center (adjacent to the Student Alumni Union).

The organizers of this event are Jon Schull, RIT information technology professor; RIT’s Interfaith Center; and Hillel of Greater Rochester Colleges. Organizers ask that donated items be clean and good quality. Once the camping equipment is collected, it will be shipped to relief workers in Pakistan, Kashmir and India. Monetary donations are also being accepted to offset the shipping costs. To learn more, go to the QuakeHelp.net Web site.

Volunteers will also be holding a “Camp-In” to raise awareness about the situation in Pakistan and the dire need for donations. The Camp-In will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 12 and 13, in RIT’s Student Alumni Union, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Dec. 14, 15 and 16 on the Quad.