Collecting Coins for Kids is about more than raising money for a good cause for the students at École Quarterway Elementary School – it’s also a learning tool as students become more caring global citizens.
It helps them to be “reflective” about what is going on in their community and to learn about passing on good deeds if you’re able to do so, said Shannon Apland-Lim, vice-principal.
Coins for Kids, organized by the Nanaimo News Bulletin and Black Press, raises money for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island.
Last year Quarterway raised $250 and this year the students want to match or surpass that amount. Students were asked to write what the campaign means to them.
Elise Cullon, 12, a Grade 7 student at Quarterway, was chosen to read her statement, in both English and French, to all the classrooms.
“It’s going to a really good cause,” she said. “There are people who need help out there and if we can we should help them.”
With the weather getting colder outside, it makes Cullon think of the families with children who don’t have winter jackets to keep them warm. Her home has a warm fireplace, but in the mornings when the fire has burned down to embers and there is a chill in her house, she thinks of others who can’t afford to turn on the heat or don’t have warm clothing to wear.
“Sometimes I hear the rainfall and I feel bad for people who don’t have shelter to keep them dry,” said Cullon.
Every classroom received an owl coin bank for donations, chosen because it represents scholastic pursuits.
“We are a positive-based school and we like to pass on positivity,” said Apland-Lim.
Donations to Coins for Kids can be dropped off at the Nanaimo News Bulletin office, located at 777 Poplar St.