by Celena Scheede-Bergdahl
Karin Chown, a grade three teacher at Beacon Hill Elementary, found herself in a very lucky situation: her classroom library, due to many generous donations, had become too big to handle! When a student in the clas
s suggested a book sale to raise funds for a good cause, it was decided that this was a perfect way to clean the classroom and learn a lesson about helping others. At this very time, the grade three students were upset to learn of the devastation caused by the wildfires in Fort McMurray, especially in the hard-hit neighbourhood of Beacon Hill. All the pieces fell into place: Beacon Hill (Beaconsfield) would raise funds for Beacon Hill (Fort McMurray).
Along with her teaching partner, Nathalie Noiseux, Karin Chown guided her students through the process of sorting through all the books, pricing them, marketing their event, making posters, helping the younger students shop and manning the cash. On June 17, the enthusiastic grade three students opened up their classroom to fellow students, raising more than $500 that will go to the Canadian Red Cross in the name of “Beacon Hill for Beacon Hill”.
When asked about the project, Karin Chown said “I am incredibly proud of my students for their hard work and dedication throughout this process. Seeing the results of a student’s idea come to life was extremely fulfilling. The book sale was an extremely memorable day, and as they leave Grade three, I hope that the students will also remember this special project in years to come. Kids can make a big difference when they are given the chance to try.”
The students appreciated the chance to help their fellow Beacon Hill community in Fort McMurray, as well as learning a lot about running a book sale. Already, Karin Chown is planning to use the unsold books for next year’s sale, hoping to make this event a yearly lesson on fundraising and compassion for others in need. It is a win-win situation: Beacon Hill students are able to give to a great cause, as well finding some fantastic summer reading!
If anyone in the Beacon Hill community (and beyond) would like to follow in the footsteps of these children, please consider sending a donation to the Red Cross to support this worthy initiative.
Link for donations:
http://www.redcross.ca/about-us/red-cross-stories/2016/red-cross-responds-to-fort-mcmurray-fires–launches-alberta-fires-appeal
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