Alexander Public School students raising $10,000 to build school in Ecuador

A Grade 6 geography assignment on child labour inspired five students at Alexander Public School to take action. Now in Grade 8, the students are nearing their goal of raising $10,000 to build a school in Ecuador by the time they graduate this spring.

For Shannon Clarke, Meredith Kusniercyzk, Bradie Roy, Anne-Marie Sakki and Anna Teolis, it all began when their research ended. Appalled by what they discovered, they came to a collective conclusion: “Can we help?”

They found their answer in a global organization called Free the Children, and, with the support of Grade 6 teacher Stacey Gianfrancesco, set their ambitious goal, rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

“The only problem was determining what we wanted to do for these children,” they said. “After a short discussion, the solution was clear. We all decided that an education was one of the most important things to have. We chose to build a school in Ecuador.”
   
The group has been raising money for the Free the Children Foundation for the past two years. To date, they have raised just over $6,000 through bake sales, hot chocolate days, freezie days, candy grams, a raffle and a clothing drive.  Last summer, they held a barbecue in partnership with the Independent Grocer.

“Now with our goal so close, we hope to reach the $10,000 mark and donate the money by the end of the school year,” they said.  “We plan to expand to larger fundraisers and include the community in this initiative. Together, we can provide a much needed education to many children who, at this time, don’t have that chance.”

The Principal of Alexander Public School said the students spearheading this campaign are exceptional role models. “These students are a shining example of how a small group of caring individuals, with commitment and co-operation, can indeed change the world,” said Denise Goodmurphy.  “They also have tremendous support from their parents who have helped and continue to help every step of the way.”

She added: “We are so proud of them and wish them continued success with their fundraising efforts. It will be a graduation to remember when they give the gift of education to children in Ecuador. What a wonderful legacy!”

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Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.