500 red, blue balloons released during Haitian relief kick-off event

 Rams Helping Others Prosper Everyday, an organization formed to focus on relief efforts and the community hosted the H.O.P.E. Floats event for awareness of relief efforts for Haiti on Feb. 16.

Chelii Broussard, the adviser for Campus Life Marketing Committee and Raging Rams, said she formed Rams H.O.P.E. in January to provide an avenue for students to demonstrate social responsibility and participate in civic engagement. 

"You are here at Winston-Salem State to become leaders," Broussard said. 

During the H.O.P.E. Floats program she asked, "What will you do, not only as members of an organization, but as individuals to make the world a better place?"

Exactly 500 red and blue balloons were released to raise student awareness about the devastation in Haiti. The event served as a kick-off for future events and relief efforts. 

About 50 students participated and listened to testimonies and songs from students and members of the organization.

Kristen Lincoln, an accounting major from Modesto, Calif. said it is important to have an organization like Rams H.O.P.E.

"We need to have more unity amongst ourselves," Lincoln said. 

"We would expect others to help if the United States goes through a major disaster."

Terrence Holley, a middle grades education major from Everetts, N.C., said he would encourage others to join Rams H.O.P.E.

"It is important that WSSU becomes influential in the local community and international community," Holley said.

Donation boxes will be placed in different locations on campus. 

Rams H.O.P.E. will become an official organization in August. They will sponsor a benefit concert Feb. 24 and a Haiti forum March 23.

Morgan Hinton, a political science major, said Rams H.O.P.E. is a positive addition on campus.

"It is a great idea to have an organization for the sake of helping others," Hinton said. "Not enough people spread awareness about international issues."