The Haiti Cries fundraising event was held last Wednesday at the St Aloysius College grounds in Birkirkara, with about €9,000 raised in eight hours.

The event started with a football match between a team composed of members of Parliament from both sides of the House, and a team composed of Jesuits, Salesians and friends.

People of all ages turned up to show their solidarity with the people of Haiti and participate in the activities. Many took part in the football tournament, the table tennis tournament and marathon, the music marathon and also to help with the stalls and services offered during the day.

Members from Malta's immigrant community were also there to help, offering hair-braiding, drum-circles and ethnic food.

The day ended with Mass celebrated by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech.

Jesuit Provincial Fr Paul Pace and Salesian Fr Eric Cachia concelebrated, together with several Jesuits and Salesians.

Haiti Cries was organised by the Jesuits and their friends to raise funds and awareness for the Salesian missions in Haiti, where eight of their 11 schools were reduced to rubble.

A small portion of the funds were also raised for Jesuit relief efforts in the area.