Thousands of pounds have so far been raised for victims through events ranging from sponsored fndraisers, donations and even a specially recorded song.

The upsetting images of the survivors led one nine-year-old girl to persuade her school to get involved with fundraising.

Annie Quinn, from Heage, saw scenes of the disaster on the news and wrote a letter to her headteacher at Heage Primary School Karen Murgatroyd asking if the school could do something to raise money for the survivors.

Pupils at the school raised a total of £450 through a 'dress down day', thanks to Annie's compassion.

Her mum Susan said: "They've raised a considerable amount just from Annie writing a letter. It all came from her being caring about other people. She's so proud."

The earthquake happened on January 12 killing 150,000 and leaving 1.5million people homeless as it levelled buildings on the Caribbean island.

A coin collection at Long Row Primary School raised a total of £378 for the appeal. Children brought in money after teachers told them about the disaster asking them to bring in what they could contribute. The money has now been given to Oxfam.

Children at Kilburn Junior School baked flapjacks and other cakes and took part in sponsored events to raise money for the victims. They have so far managed a total of just under £700. The school is hoping the total will top £1,000 by next week.

Youngsters took part in activities including skipping and hula hooping to raise the money on Friday.

Deputy headteacher Robert Hull said: "The children have responded well to the appeal. They have been touched by what has gone off in Haiti and have been sending sponsor forms with their parents to work. There has been a great response from the children and we're hopeful of raising a big amount."

The money will go towards the Aquabox project, which provides equipment to help people purify water for drinking.

Horsley Woodhouse Primary School is also getting involved with the appeal.

Children there are planning a non-uniform day, and pupils in year six, aged ten and 11, will hold a second-hand toy sale to raise money. All the activities will take place on Friday.

The most creative fundraising idea so far has come from tattoo artist Dave Warman and his son Matthew.

The duo, who are well known in Belper, wrote a song called 'Why is the World So Cruel?' in a bid to raise awareness of the suffering Haitians are experiencing.Dave, 57, and Matt, 34, have recorded the song in the pair's small home recording studio, in Somercotes.

The song, which has been put together with images of the disaster, has been put on websites YouTube and Facebook alongside a link to encourage people to donate to the cause.

Belper and Duffield Rotary Club has also contributed money to the Aquabox project, which is being run by the Rotary Club of Wirksworth to provide facilities to purify water for drinking.

Secretary John Scotney said: "We use all the collections and fundraising events through the year to maintain the charity fund and are then able to respond to a wide variety of local and international causes and emergencies."

Oxfam in Belper has had a lot of donations specifically for the appeal.
A spokesman for the King Street shop said: "People appreiciate there is nothing we can do at this end. All we can do is give money so the survivors can have access to sanitation, water, and medical supplies."

Do you know of any fundraising activities which are taking place around the town?

Let us know at editor@belpernews.co.uk or call on 01773 881105.


How you can help

MORE than £2,000 has been raised so far around Belper for the Haiti earthquake appeal and more money is flooding in.

Hundreds of pounds have been donated to the Oxfam shop in Belper, and along with donations from schools, sponsored events and people's generosity the total is really totting up.

But donations are still needed to help the thousands of people who have been left wounded, homeless and alone by the disaster.

To donate money to the cause pop into Oxfam, on King Street, or visit UNICEF, Oxfam or Hope for Haiti.