(January 19, 2010)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073

City of Hope to Raise Awareness, Money for Haitian Relief

SHREVEPORT, La.—When missionary Britney Winn recently returned from Haiti after the country experienced a devastating magnitude-7.0 quake that killed an estimated 200,000 people and left 1.5 million homeless, she knew she had to do something. She left her heart behind in Haiti with the orphans that she loves and cares for. How, she thought, can I sleep in the comfort of a warm bed and enjoy a nice meal when they have lost everything?

Cite Lespwa

The 2009 Centenary graduate came up with the idea that she, along with other Centenary students and members of First United Methodist Church in Shreveport, would endure the same conditions for one week. They would sleep on the ground while raising awareness and raise $1 million for the Global Orphan Project which will go directly to the Haiti orphans.

From 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 until Tuesday, Jan. 26 the group will live in the Cite Lespwa, Creole for City of Hope, camping out in a tent city on Centenary's campus in front of the Gold Dome. People are invited to stop by, bring their own tent, and join the group. Anyone can stay for an hour, an afternoon, a night, or the whole week. Campers have to bring their own gear, equipment, food, etc. The College will provide bathrooms and showers for those who need it.

For those who can not camp out with group, donations will be accepted at First United Methodist Church in Downtown Shreveport, the Christian Leadership Center Office in the Smith Building on the Centenary College campus, or by stopping by Cite Lespwa in front of the Gold Dome.

For more information, call 318.505.3455.