An idea prompted by a student at Haa-huu-payak School has turned into a gift to typhoon victims in the Philippines.
Students raised $487 at a bake sale at the school on Dec. 5. The amount will be bolstered with an additional $200 from the school’s board of directors and matching funds from the provincial government, bringing the total amount to $1,374.
The money is meant to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines more than a month ago. The funds will be donated to the Red Cross in Victoria, who are sending a representative to retrieve it.
“The sense of responsibility and citizenship was amazing. It’s the spirit of giving,” principal Gio Mussato said. “The children and their families have every reason to be proud.”
Student Adrianna Watts spearheaded the initiative after becoming aware of the typhoon and its fallout.
Watts discussed the issue with Grade 5-6 teacher Rose Doerksen, and together they planned a community event.
Volunteers made baked goods and treats and advertised the event. Community support was outstanding, Mussato said. On sales day, treats sold for 25 cents a piece.
The initiative was important, Mussato said, because it was a real-life lesson in the fact that we are all connected.
“We feel each others’ suffering and develop a sense of sharing as a result,” he said. “You develop a sense of responsibility regardless of race, creed or colour.”
The initiative also coincided with a school exercise that sees them study, discuss and practice one virtue per month. Ironically, December’s virtue is generosity.
The project also taught students something about geography, weather, culture and history as well, Mussato said.
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