Ivy Tech 5K benefits Haitian student

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Members of the Ivy Tech community came out Saturday morning to show support for an Ivy Tech international student.

It was the Hands Helping Haiti 5K, organized by the community college's Latino Student Union. Proceeds from the event went toward helping Jean Kedler Abelard. He's a native of Haiti was a student at Ivy Tech when the earthquake hit in January.

According to the group, Abelard was released from his classes to return to his homeland and help his family rebuild.

Abelard said he is very grateful for the group's efforts.

"Thank you to everybody that came," he said. "I really appreciate it and my family is really appreciative and everyone in Haiti. No matter how little it is, whatever you give is really going to help another person or another family."

Since the earthquake, Abelard has returned to Ivy Tech to continue his studies.