We are or have been women in the media.

We all have stood in awe, and sometimes sorrow, of stories, pictures and video clips, scrolling across our computer monitors as another disaster of natural or human cause devastated hundreds or thousands.

We all have, at one point, felt helpless, wishing we could do more.

Last week, as we heard, read, watched or announced news of the 7.0 earthquake near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, we felt that helplessness all over again.

This time, however, we’ve chosen to fight against that feeling.

Spurred by a single late-night Tweet from Camilla Di Giuseppe, Alex Ruiz and I jumped at Camilla’s lead and thought, ‘yes, let’s not feel helpless this time, let’s do something.’

And thus was born YYC4Haiti.

More individuals have come forward, encouraged to do something – even one small task – to assist the estimated million who have been rendered homeless by the tragic January 12 event.

Thirteen Canadians have been confirmed dead, as of today, and 665 remain missing.

The death toll in Haiti is expected to reach 200,000.

We, in Calgary, may never know such a disastrous natural event.

We give thanks for such a blessing by turning out our hearts in goodwill for those stranded and injured, their lives and families torn apart.

Donations of items for door prizes and silent and live auctions have been steady and quick.

The Calgary Flames, Calgary Stampeders, Calgary Roughnecks and Calgary Hitmen all are donating precious memorabilia to the cause.

Gyms are donating memberships, photographers are offering their framed prints, decorators and wedding planners are giving away experience packages.

We have iPods, cellphones, hockey tickets, resort passes, gas vouchers … you name it, we might have it in our growing prize pile.

Now all we need is you.

You … to come out and watch the Calgary Flames take on the Phoenix Coyotes at Flames Central on Thursday, January 28.

You … to give from your heart by donating at the door, buying raffle tickets and bidding on items.

You … the business community to rise to the challenge and match what we raise.

And you … to show the people of Haiti that the world cares about their plight and wants to do something to help.

Please come join us.

We’ll be there.

@that_angela