A collection will be taken during the second quarter of the Western Michigan game Saturday to support efforts by Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross to rebuild Haiti following January's destructive earthquake.
The collection will be taken in honor of Blessed Brother André Bessette, who will become the first saint from the Congregation of Holy Cross to be canonized Oct. 17.
Mike Seamon, associate vice president of Campus Security, said the collection would be "a huge weekend celebration for the congregation."
"This is the perfect way to celebrate the canonization of the first Holy Cross saint as well as make people aware of the rebuilding in Haiti," Seamon said.
All donations from the collection will go to the efforts of the Holy Cross Missions in Haiti as they try to rebuild and administer to the needs of the people both physically and spiritually.
Over 300 students have volunteered their time to walk through the stands collecting donations. Many Holy Cross seminarians will also be participating in the stadium collection, which will take place during the first media timeout of the second quarter.
The collection will be a quick event that will only take about eight to 10 minutes, he said.
Seamon said Notre Dame has only held two other game day collections, one after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and another after Hurricane Katrina.
Students who volunteer to take collections will have the opportunity to take a VIP tour of the Notre Dame Stadium press box and locker room.
"It's a small way to say ‘thank you' for giving up their time at the game," Seamon said.
Seamon added that he was impressed by the number of students who volunteered to take collections.
"It has been unbelievable how students rise to the occasion," Seamon said. "Their generosity is truly inspiring."
