Victims of last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan will receive help from the Creston Valley, thanks to a fundraiser spearheaded by Grade 9/10 social studies students at Mormon Hills School.
Donation jars were put out at more than a dozen businesses on Tuesday for a weeklong drive, and bake sales are planned from noon-4 p.m. at Extra Foods on April 16 and noon-4 p.m. at Canyon Country Store on April 22. The goal is to raise $2,000 before May 12.
“We’re saying $2,000 because last year we did a fundraiser for Haiti and raised $1,000,” said project manager Doris Blackmore, a Grade 10 student.
In addition to the Haiti fundraiser, Blackmore’s class also raised funds for a less fortunate family in the community — and she’s found that it’s not hard to get people to support causes in this area.
“I think everyone likes to help,” she said. “I like seeing how excited people are. … It brings everyone closer.”
She noted that it makes sense to help out other countries in need — we never know when the favour might need to be returned.
“If you were to have a tragedy, you would expect someone to come and help you,” she said. “But if you don’t help them, who is going to help you?”