Apartment613

Photo courtesy of the IFRC on flickr

By Kym Shumsky, Ottawa trends watcher and blogger at Relishing.ca

As the beleaguered nation of Haiti continues to suffer the fallout of the devastating January 12 earthquake, Ottawans continue to open their hearts and wallets. There is no lack of events, fundraisers, and small-change collection jars to drop a few charitable bucks into happening this weekend, but in case you needed some direction, here are just a handful of good ideas:

1.   Here for There / Artists for Haiti
La Petit Mort Gallery, 306 Cumberland Street
Thursday, January 28, 7-10 pm
Donated works from a variety of well-known artists will be on sale, with all proceeds donated to World Vision Canada.  Michael Zavacky might still be looking for artists or photographers to donate original work.  A minimum $5 donation will be collected.

2. Vegan Bake Sale for Haiti
Gallery Hall of Ecclesiax Church, 2 Monk Street in the Glebe
Saturday, January 30, 10-5 pm
Come sample tasty homemade and professionally made vegan treats, with gluten-free options available. The goods will be provided by Zen Kitchen, the Red Apron, and Bgoods.  All proceeds to go to the Canadian Red Cross for Haiti Earthquake Relief.

3. Rock for Haiti Relief
Capital Music Hall, 128 York Street
Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 6:00pm
Ottawa’s finest rocker ‘band’ together for a marathon concert to raise much needed funds for Haiti. Musicians include: MonkeyJunk, Big Jeezus Truck, Good2Go, The Action, The Kingmakers, Evil Farm Children, Boom Creek, Ninety Pounds of Ugly and The Big Bend. Cover is $10 and all proceeds to the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Aid in Haiti.

4. Haircuts for Haiti
Mix Salon & Spa, 361 Queen Street in the Delta Hotel
Sunday January 31, 9-5 pm
For one day only, all proceeds from all services – massage, manicure, haircuts, you name it – will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross.  Reservations a must, and spaces are filling up quickly!  The Delta Hotel and Suites will be providing refreshments.

For more ideas, check out this great list by CBC Radio. If you or your organization has planned a Haiti earthquake fundraiser, let us know…  and don’t just donate once!  For the cost of a facial, a cupcake, or a fabulous piece of art, you will also be giving Haitians vital aid so that they can begin to rebuild their shattered home.