Author:
Publication: Canada News Wire
Date: February 2, 2001
Feb. 9 declared as day to give
a dollar or two to help children
Toronto, Feb. 2 (CNW) - Peel District
School Board schools and locations are reaching out to help the tens of
thousands of children and families affected by the earthquake in Gujarat,
India. To help the people of India begin to rebuild their lives, board
has declared Friday, Feb. 9 as Helping Hands-India Earthquake Relief Day.
On this day, every student, staff member and parent can contribute a one
or two dollar coin to support relief efforts in India.
All proceeds will be donated to
UNICEF's India Earthquake Disaster Relief Appeal. The UNICEF campaign is
specifically designed to help children affected by the earthquake - including
taking care of children left without homes or families. The board expects
to announce preliminary results of the campaign at the board meeting on
Feb. 13 - the day before Valentine's Day.
Notes Harold Brathwaite, director
of education, "As a board, we want to help make a difference for our global
neighbours. Together, on the eve of Valentine's Day, we can send a message
to India's earthquake victims to show them how much we care. We care about
their relatives, friends and neighbours who have lost their lives. And,
we care about them - the survivors of this tragedy who have lost their
families, their homes and their belongings. And, of course, for students
of our own who may have had family affected by the earthquake."
Beyond the funds raised on that
day, schools and centres have already begun to host activities and events
to raise money. For example:
- At Dunrankin Drive Public
School in Mississauga, on Jan. 29, students were asked to bring in pennies,
nickels and dimes to help children in India. A large map of India helps
children understand the location of the earthquake its proximity to the
Punjab and other parts of India where many have family members. The school
expects to raise $1,000 -- ostly from piggy banks.
- Huntington Ridge Public
School in Mississauga will host a special cupcake day to raise funds
- Applewood Heights Secondary
School hosted a charity basketball game with the Toronto Argonauts, and
auctioned off an autographed Argos' ball with proceeds going to the relief
efforts
- At Somerset Drive Public
School in Brampton students are making posters and announcements to support
the effort, and staff are donating proceeds from a staff lunch
- The student parliament at
Larkspur Public School in Brampton is hosting a Valentine's dance with
funds to go the campaign, and Robert J. Lee Public School in Brampton will
also host a student dance
Notes Janet McDougald, chair of
the board, "Once again, our students and staff have taken the initiative
to help those in need. They have set an example of giving for all of us.
Our board wants to support these efforts and encourage the community to
join us on Feb. 9 to send a message of care to India's earthquake victims.
We can make a big difference with a small act of kindness. Even a dollar
or two can have an impact - an emergency blanket costs less than $4 and
an entire family survival kit can be bought for $43."
Notes Margaret McGuffin, UNICEF
Ontario Chairperson "We are impressed with this overwhelming response from
the Peel board to the UNICEF India Relief Effort. Once again they have
demonstrated a special capacity to encourage community caring in both students
and parents - locally and globally." UNICEF is providing immediate assistance
for the earthquake stricken areas, supporting relief efforts with critical
medical supplies, blankets, chlorine tablets and more.
"Our experience has taught us that
even as we work to help save lives and meet basic needs, we also need to
plan for classrooms to be opened, establish child- friendly spaces, and
other activities to help children cope with the disaster" says McGuffin.
"Donations from all Canadians are appreciated and it's inspiring to see
young people and their teachers take the lead in raising funds for this
urgent appeal."
To encourage support for the campaign,
schools have been sent parent notices and posters designed and printed
for free by Central Reproductions Ltd. in Mississauga. The Centre for Language
Training and Assessment at the Centre for Education and Training has provided
Hindi, Gujarti and Punjabi translations of the flyers for school use. Starting
Monday, Feb. 5, staff and community members can donate at an information
display in the atrium of the H.J.A. Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario
Street, Mississauga.
