Kourtney Bailey ‘26 and Catherine Freytag ‘26
The student-led Hearts for Haiti club has been a staple of the St. Andrew’s community since its founding in 2016. The most exciting event hosted by the club is the annual Power Hour to raise funding for Christ Roi, our partner school in Civol, Haiti. In past years, the club has worked to raise up to $10,000 during the hour. The Mane News spoke with the club’s faculty sponsor, Ms. Goodrich, and different members to gain their insight on this year’s power hour and some background on the club.
Shortly after the partnership with Christ Roi School was established, the first group of St. Andrew’s students and teachers set out to visit Civol. Among those students was Caroline Ryan ‘17. When the group returned home, Ryan immediately founded the Hearts for Haiti club, and Ms. Goodrich feels very lucky to have been the faculty sponsor since the start. When asked how she has seen enthusiasm from club members, Ms. Goodrich said, “It amazes me every day the amount of kids that show up for the club.” Her and the student leaders’ goal for this year was to raise $13,000 for Haiti during the Power Hour, which would greatly help with the club’s mission “to raise awareness and money for our partner school in [Civol].”
The Power Hour was from 3:00 to 4:00 pm on December 8th, where numerous people from the St. Andrew’s community donated money for Christ Roi. This was accomplished through links on social media and QR codes attached to candy canes that club members passed out. In addition to this, club members gave out free hot chocolate in Izzo Quad, where students could also make cash donations. All the benefits went directly to Christ Roi School.
In the weeks leading up to Power Hour, Hearts for Haiti members were found hard at work in Ms. Goodrich’s ceramics room, planning out the event and attaching QR codes to candy canes for donations. While advocating for Christ Roi was hard work, the members of the club were having a blast throughout the process. “It’s so fun and rewarding,” said sophomore Katie Smith. Students from all grades congregate for these meetings to work towards a common goal and bond over their efforts for a greater cause. “I will always have a place where I am included,” said another sophomore Elle Toomey.
Although Power Hour has come to an end, there are still ways people can contribute. By staying up to date with Hearts for Haiti’s recent endeavors and spreading the word, you can help bring attention to the club’s mission. Buying from bake sales and pitching in when you can helps a lot. Donations, big or small, can make a big difference and keep Christ Roi School thriving.
Photograph by Mr. Dahlke