When students at Lochiel U-Connect saw photos of a roofless orphanage in Tecate, Mexico, they knew they had to do something.
The leadership students got into groups and brainstormed to come up with fundraising initiatives.
Each of the twelve groups was challenged to develop their own creative ideas to raise money for the orphanage which is located close to the Mexican-U.S. border.
Leadership teacher Tracey Thorne commented that teachers 鈥渢ry to teach students that while one person may not be able to make a huge difference, collectively we can make the world a better place.鈥�
She added: 鈥淲hile a few dollars may not change our lives, it can change the lives of others.鈥�
Thorne said that educators try to teach students that as they broaden their world they need to not only include their community, but other countries and communities in them.
鈥淎 simple, positive gesture can have such an impact on others,鈥� she said.
The orphanage for boys does not have a roof, and it will cost approximately $5,000 to build one, Thorne said.
She expected the students鈥� efforts would raise about $500, and was astonished that they raised $3,000.
鈥淭hey鈥檝e gone above and beyond our expectations,鈥� said Thorne, who teamed with teacher Leanne Huston on the project.
The students鈥� fundraising projects included a pizza day, bake sales, the sale of Purdy鈥檚 chocolate hearts for Valentine鈥檚 Day, auctioning tickets for the Canadian National Women Soccer Team鈥檚 Olympic qualifying games, Canadian National Soccer Team midfielder Julian de Guzman鈥檚 team jersey, tickets to Vancouver Giants games, coin drives, homemade dog treats, games, hot chocolate with marshmallows, hand crafted greeting cards and a students vs parents volleyball game.
Grade 6 student Luke Fulton said that his group picked the Purdy鈥檚 chocolate sales fundraiser 鈥渂ecause everyone loves chocolate at Valentine鈥檚 Day, and Valentine鈥檚 Day is a great time to think about others.鈥�
