Raising money for the Philippines are, from left, Tyler Antunes, Kristina Decker and Bhavi Brar.
Lyonel Doherty photo
A Grade 5 class at Oliver Elementary School is doing its part to help the Philippines get back on its feet.
Marji Basso’s class has raised $525 to be combined with a fundraiser from Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
The Grade 5s collected three truck loads of refundable bottles (more than $400 worth) and knocked on nearly 100 doors to collect $106 in cash donations.
Basso said the project was a great opportunity to raise the awareness of world issues in her class. It also taught the students how lucky they are to have what they have, she noted.
The pupils learned that the Philippines was hit by the most powerful typhoon in its history on November 8. They also learned that the typhoon was 600 kilometres wide, with winds up to 315 mph.
About 13 million people (including five million children) were impacted by the storm. More than 5,000 people died. Three million people are homeless and are in need of food.
Grade 5 student Tyler Antunes created the class brochure that was distributed to households.
“We’re learning to help other countries and we’re learning about charity. We’re donating so we can make a happier planet.”
Fellow student Kristina Decker said she learned about social studies and how to help others in need. “I love helping others and taking care of the planet. I might litter a few times, but today I tried to find as much money as I could (for the fundraiser).”
Decker said it’s important to help people no matter where you live.
Student Bhavi Brar said the Philippines is not that far from his country of origin (India). “It’s good to be active and raise money to help people around the world.”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
