Annie Foote Makes Change for Survivors of the Tsunami

December 26, 2004 not only the changed the lives of thousands of people across the ocean, it also changed the way teachers teach and students think about global issues.  At Annie Foote Elementary School staff and students wanted to make a difference for the people who lost so much.  After we all brainstormed at meetings and in classrooms about what to do, we decided to make change.  Students were encouraged to bring loose change to add to a giant water bottle held in the office.  It soon started to fill up.  My grade four class, along with Pam Reed’s Gifted and Talented grade four and five students decided to hold a cookie sale.  Almost $250.00  was raised by selling juice and cookies which students and staff donated.

Jana El-Guebaly, Michelle Gunn and Ashlea Lutz had their grade five and six students sell “Kindness Cards” where students could write messages of friendship to peers in other parts of the school.  Finally, Beth Bons grade five and six students created beautifully hand painted “mystery boxes” that they held a silent auction for. 

After four weeks of fundraising, our water bottle is very close to overflowing.  Students have demonstrated an excitement for learning, shown empathy towards fellow children of the world, and gained valuable hands on experience in fundraising for a special cause.  All of the proceeds will be donated to the “Save the Children” organization.  This organization was chosen because the money raised goes directly to the needs of children that have been affected by the Tsnami disaster.  To sum up how Annie Foote students feel about their fundraising efforts, I’ll use the words of one child’s journal entry after spending the day selling cookies.   “I’m so happy, I feel like a kindness princess.”  I think these words reflect what we all feel knowing that we have been able to help those affected by this tragic storm.