The Haiti Earthquake continues to be in the forefront of our news and there have been many efforts to raise support to send to different relief organizations. But at Concordia University, this disaster has impacted our campus in a very personal way. One of our students has a 17 year old sister still missing; her aunt and cousins lost their lives when their home collapsed on top of them. Based on initial feedback, we have made the ambitious goal of raising $10,000 by February 7th; all funds will go to Lutheran World Relief, who is already on the ground and actively working in Haiti.

Concordia University will be hosting a silent auction supporting Haiti in CU Gymnasium lobby during Women’s (5:30 pm) and Men’s (7:30 pm) basketball games on Friday, February 5th.

Community members of the Concordia neighborhood are welcome to join us at the basketball games and silent auction. Any support would be greatly appreciated.

The following video with CU students promotes Concordia University’s Haiti Disaster Relief Week.

NOTE: video background music composed and performed by CU student Aaron Dickerson

Last year more than 700 local residents learned how to transform their yards into “urban farms,” preserve their harvest and keep chickens and bees. The overwhelming response has led to a tripling of course offerings for the 2010. The expanded roster includes classes such as cheesemaking, cooking, advanced chicken and beekeeping, innovative gardening and healthful food on a budget classes. On-line registration is available at http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/ugb.

“Portland residents know that growing and preserving their own food is great for our personal, environmental and community health,” says Portland Mayor Sam Adams. “The Urban Growth Bounty classes are a great value. There’s always more to learn about how to grow, preserve and eat sustainably on a budget.”

Presented by the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, new partners and well-known experts are on board for the 2010 series, including Oregon Tilth, Naomi Montacre, Monique Dupre, Ivy Manning and the creative hands at Salt Fire and Time and Abby’s Kitchen. Classes for all skill levels are offered from February through November and held at locations all over the city.

For detailed Urban Growth Bounty 2010 information and registration details, visit http://www.portlandonline.com/osd/ugb or e-mail: food@ci.portland.or.us.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability:
The City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) promotes integrated land use planning and development based on sustainability principles and practices. BPS also develops and implements policies and programs that provide environmental, economic and social benefits to residents, businesses and government, which strengthen Portland’s position as an international model of sustainable practices and commerce. www.portlandonline.com/bps